Everblades in control 3-0
The Florida Everblades extended their New Year winning streak to three straight games with a 3-0 victory Friday night over the Mississippi Sea Wolves at Germain Arena.
“Tonight was as close to 60 minutes of hockey we’ve played all year,” said Blades coach Malcolm Cameron.
It almost seemed too easy for the Blades (22-8-2), who have yet to lose to Mississippi in five meetings this season.
Florida dominated the opening period, jumping out to a 2-0 lead on the strength of a blistering 23 shots at Sea Wolves netminder Ryan Munce (47 saves).
Colin Nicholson was first to score for the Blades just three minutes into the game, his seventh goal of the year. Kevin Baker followed with this 27th goal of the year 15 minutes later and Florida was on cruise control from there.
“We had a great week of practice,” said Cameron. “We really got back to basics and worked on a lot of subtle things in our game It seems like, this year, we haven’t gotten as much practice time in as I would have liked. This version of the Everblades, at 32 games, isn’t as polished as I would like, but I would have to say that tonight we looked pretty polished.”
Mississippi had its best chance of the night to get back into the game when they had a 5-on-3 advantage for 43 seconds, but Florida’s defense again showed why it’s one of the best in the league.
The Blades allowed just 20 shots at goalie David Leggio and only four in the second period.
For Leggio, who was selected to this year’s ECHL All-Star game, it is his third shutout.
“I just had to make the saves I’m supposed to make,” said Leggio. “We did a tremendous job defensively and with our systems It was just one of those team shutouts that we earned collectively as a team.”
Mark Lee scored Florida’s remaining goal, his second of the year, in the second period.
The Everblades and Sea Wolves (15-17-3) skate again at Germain Arena Saturday night.
Everblades forward Danick Bouchard was called up to the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League Friday.
It’s the second time Bouchard has been summoned by the River Rats, where the 22-year-old rookie played in one game last season.
Bouchard had 22 points (13 goals, 9 assists) in 31 games with the Everblades and leads the team in game-winning goals with five. The latter mark leads all rookies in the league.