Rays spoil Blades’ return 3-0
What was supposed to be a triumphant return to Germain Arena for the Florida Everblades was spoiled by the South Carolina Stingrays, as the Blades lost 3-0 Friday night in front of 5,198 vocal fans.
Florida’s problems were obvious – 32 turnovers and a lack of effort, according to Blades coach Malcolm Cameron.
“They played a lot more greasy than we did. They played a lot more gritty than we did and they were a lot more committed than we were,” Cameron said.
It was obvious early that it wouldn’t be Florida’s night.
After a bad bounce off the glove hand of Blades starting goalie Anton Khudobin (26 saves), Stingray forward Keith Johnson fired it home on the power play for a 1-0 lead.
“We had 23 turnovers through two periods to their 10 and there’s not much more to say. They just wanted it more than we did,” said Cameron.
It got no better for the Blades in the second period as the bounces continued to go the Stingrays’ way.
With 5:09 left, another bouncing puck found its way over Khudobin’s head to give South Carolina a 2-0 lead.
Florida’s normally stout special teams had an off night, allowing two power-play goals while going 0-for-4 on the man advantage themselves. The Everblades’ top-ranked ECHL offense was shut out for the first time this season, taking 31 shots at South Carolina net minder Bobby Goepfert, who recorded his second shutout of the year.
“We played right into their hands,” said Blades forward Brad Herauf. “They slowed the game down and we just couldn’t get any second or third chances at the puck. We definitely didn’t play our best game, and that’s the only positive we can take from (this loss).”
The Blades and Stingrays skate again on “Teddy Bear Night” Saturday night. The Everblades then hit the road for a rare midweek two-game road trip to Mississippi Tuesday and Wednesday.