Florida Takes Early Lead, Wins 5-4

Published on January 30, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Trenton Devils News Release


Estero, FL, January 29, 2010 - Early penalties led to two power play goals for the Everblades Friday at Germain Arena. A 2-0 lead established three minutes into the contest set the tone and helped Florida to a 5-4 win over the Devils.

A scuffle 45 seconds into the game landed Tony Zancanaro in the box for roughing. With 20 seconds left on the Devils' ensuing penalty kill, Slavomir Tomko took a holding call which led to a brief five-on-three. Just 13 seconds later, with goalie Gerald Coleman sprawling on the ice after the initial chance from Scott Hotham, Milan Gajic weakly tipped the loose puck toward goal mouth and into the net for a 1-0 lead. With the power play reset to a five-on-four, Jordan Morrison rushed into the zone on the right wing and made a timely feed to Shea Guthrie at the inside edge of the circle. Guthrie's quick release beat Coleman stick side for his first of the year, and Florida had posted power play tallies just 13 seconds apart.

Trenton began its first of several comebacks using a power play of its own. Tim Kunes sent a wrister on net, but goalie Chris Beckford-Tseu couldn't keep the rebound away from Dan Charleston who shot one across the goal mouth that was deflected across to the left side of the cage where Jeff Prough fired home another rebound chance for his 15th of the year at 8:24. The Blades regained a two goal lead before the first period expired, as Milan Gajic notched his second of the game on a rebound resulting from a Phil Paquet point shot.

Brett Wilson had the only tally of the second period, his first goal since late November. From the deep right wing, Matt Vokes shot one toward the right post that Wilson redirected past Beckford-Tseu for his sixth of the year to get the Devils within 3-2 at 1:30 of the second.

A back and forth third period saw an exchange of goals, first with Phil Paquet reestablishing the two-score advantage with his first of the year at 11:01. The Devils hard work finally paid off with Trevor Kell's power play goal, his 12th score of the year, on a setup from Jack Combs at 13:20 and Trenton trailed 4-3.

With 15 shots on goal in the third period, the Devils mounted numerous chances, but time ran slim. With Coleman pulled for a sixth attacker in the final minute, Ernie Hartlieb scored an empty netter at 19:06 to once again put the 'Blades up by two goals. Justin Pender scored for Trenton in the last 15 seconds on a stunning effort, powering from the left point to the right post and roofing a backhand shot over Beckford-Tseu's left shoulder. Trailing 5-4, the Devils could not put a shot on goal the rest of the way despite an offensive zone face-off with four seconds left.

The Devils (15-20-4-5, 39pts) remain in third place in the East Division, nine points better than Johnstown. Florida (23-16-2-4, 52pts) keeps hold of second place in the South, still just one point better than the Charlotte Checkers who defeated Johnstown Friday. The rubber game between the Devils and Everblades is Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

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