Blades win first skate
The Florida Everblades began the end of their training camp Friday night with a solid 6-4 preseason victory over the Gwinnett Gladiators at Germain Arena.
“We did a lot of things right, no question,” said Everblades coach Malcolm Cameron. “I think we made some mistakes that cost us some goals that I’m pretty confident in a couple weeks’ time we won’t give up. But to only give up 17 shots in an exhibition game and considering they had eight power plays, I’m pretty pleased.”
The division rivals carried a 1-1 tie into the second period of play before the real offensive fireworks began.
Florida took a 2-1 lead just 75 seconds into the period when Jacob Micflikier beat Gladiator goaltender Danny Taylor (35 saves) after taking a pass from line mates Rob Hennigar and Kevin Baker.
Gwinnett got right back into it on the ensuing faceoff, tying the game 2-2 as Travis Fuller beat Blades starting net minder Mike Morrison (13 saves).
The Bladed didn’t let the sudden comeback hold them back, however. The Hennigar/Baker/Micflikier line put Florida ahead for good midway through the period. Hennigar fed Baker a perfect pass from the corner for the second of four goals the line contributed on for the night.
A late goal got the Gladiators within 4-3, but that was as close as they would get. The Blades tacked on two more goals to seal the preseason win.
The Everblades and Gladiators meet in their final preseason game Saturday night. The Blades begin their regular season next Friday on the road at the Toledo Walleye.