Everblades maintain lead over Greenville
The Florida Everblades head into the final three games of their current homestand this week with a three-point lead over Greenville in the ECHL’s East Division standings.
The Everblades (24-7) are coming off a disappointing 5-4 shootout loss to in-state rival Orlando on Saturday at Germain Arena. The Solar Bears (16-17) managed to split the two-game weekend series after dropping the opener to the Blades 2-0 on Friday.
The Wheeling Nailers (16-17) visit Germain Arena Wednesday and Friday nights with the Gwinnett Gladiators (11-22) coming to town for one game on Saturday. After that, the Blades go to Gwinnett for two games next weekend with a stop at South Carolina before returning home on Jan. 28.
Despite a two-goal advantage early, shoddy play on power play opportunities doomed the Everblades Saturday against the Bears.
“We didn’t score on the power play, but it wasn’t for a lack of chances,” said Blades coach Greg Poss. “We got the power play set up for the most part, but we just couldn’t get (the puck) to go in. At the end of the day, we had 51 shots on net, and scored four goals and that should be enough to get the win.”
Alex Lavoie, Brant Harris (two) and Tyson Gimblett accounted for the Everblades’ goals. Goalkeeper Allen York made 25 saves
It is only the second time this season the Blades have gone to a shootout, losing both times.
The first two scoreless periods Friday night saw the Blades waste several opportunities.
“Offense is always going to come and go,” said Poss. “The defense has to be there all the time, and that’s what we did today. Our defense was playing really well.”
The offense finally broke through early in the third period with two goals in the opening five minutes.
Mitch Wahl was the first to crack the scoring column taking a pass from Cameron Burt and firing a shot home from the far circle. Florida drew a penalty on the Bears on the ensuing faceoff and Jeff Costello made them pay with his goal just seconds into the man advantage.
Also making the victory sweeter for Poss was the announcement of his selection to coach this year’s ECHL All-Star team.
“It’s awarded based on winning percentage, so it’s really a show of how the players have worked for (assistant coach Tad O’Had) and it’s really a group effort,” said Poss.
York stopped all 31 shots he faced.