ECHL Florida Everblades

Florida Falls to Gwinnett, Ending Five-Game Winning Streak

Published on March 6, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release


ESTERO, FL -- Despite an early lead, the Everblades five-game winning streak came to an end Saturday night as the 'Blades fell to the Gwinnett Gladiators 4-3. Florida's Ryan Lang and Colin Nicholson gave the 'Blades two early goals in the first, but Gwinnett notched the game-winning goal on a four-on-three power play late in the third period to pick up the two points.

At 3:22 of the first period, Florida left wing Ryan Lang put the 'Blades on the board, tipping in a shot off defenseman Scott Hotham stick past Gwinnett goalie Danny Taylor. Lang's 15th goal of the season, assisted by Elgin Reid and Hotham, came with just three seconds remaining on Florida's power play. Two minutes later, center Colin Nicholson scored again for Florida, helping the Everblades convert their first two shots on goal. Forward Brady Calla recorded the assist. Gwinnett responded at 5:46 with a power-play goal by Matt Francis. Florida held the lead at 2-1 until a tally by Gwinnett left wing Tom Zanoski erased the deficit, tying the contest 2-2. Zanoski's 21st goal of the season was assisted by captain Adam Berti and forward Scott Mifsud. Gwinnett struck for their third goal of the period two minutes later as Drew Paris fired a shot from the point that found it's way past Chris Beckford-Tseu giving the Gladiators their first lead of the game at 3-2. The period ended with Gwinnett outshooting the Everblades, 15-6 and leading by a goal.

After a scoreless second period, Florida rookie Brandon Buck tied up the game one minute into the third when he chipped the puck off the boards back to himself, creating a two-on-one chance and fed it to captain Ross Carlson who knocked it past goaltender Taylor. With four minutes remaining in regulation play, Gwinnett took advantage of a four-on-three power play to gain the lead at 4-3. Forward Matt Francis recorded the goal, with assists going to Paris and Mifsud. The final goal went unanswered by Florida, ending their five-game winning streak and giving them their first loss in regulation at home in their last ten games.

Up next, the Everblades face the ECHL defending Kelly Cup Champion South Carolina Stingrays for five straight contests, the first three in North Charleston Coliseum in South Carolina and wrapping up the final two on home ice in Germain Arena on March 19 and 20. All the action can be found on the Everblades flagship station, FOX Sports radio 1200/1460AM with the Shoeless Joe's Sports Cafe pregame show 25 minutes prior to the drop of the puck. Everblades hockey on Fox Sports Radio is brought to you Blu Sushi.

Check out the Florida Everblades Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from March 6, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central