Everblades extend streak to six
WHEELING, W.Va. – Newcomer Alex Aleardi finished with a goal an assist to help lead the Florida Everblades to a 5-1 victory over the Wheeling Nailers Saturday night. The Everblades (12-3) extend their win streak to six games.
The Everblades opened up the four-game road trip with a fast and furious start, outshooting the Nailers 13-2 in the first period. Aleardi, who was assigned to the team earlier in the week from the Charlotte Checkers, registered the game’s first goal. He picked up a Nailers turnover in their own end. Aleardi swiftly cruised through the slot making several deke moves before sliding the puck around Wheeling netminder Eric Hartzell for the goal.
Just 43 seconds later, Aleardi set up the second ‘Blades goal by gathering the puck along the boards and tossing it to the middle of the ice. Forward Mike Aviani rushed to the puck and skated in on goal for a scoring chance. His wrist shot went over the shoulder of Hartzell to extend the lead 2-0 through the first period of play.
The Nailers took control of the momentum in the second period, following a power play goal by Zach Yuen. Yuen one-timed a shot from the point that ripped past Everblades goaltender Daniel Altshuller to pull Wheeling within one.
Florida reclaimed control early in the third when John McInnis grabbed a bouncing puck in a scramble in front, and batted it into the back of the net to give Florida a 3-1 edge.
The Everblades continued to build their lead on an Artem Sergeev slapshot from blue at 12:07. Florida secured the game, netting its fifth goal on the power play when McInnis centered a pass from behind the net to Jeff Costello in the slot. Costello went down to one knee on the shot and flexed the puck into the net sealing the eventual win.
Altshuller earns the win stopping 20 of 21 shots.