Blades get past Bears 1-0 in OT
Superior teams are supposed to put inferior opponents away early, otherwise things can happen. Such is the nature of playoff hockey.
After winning the first two games of their first-round Kelly Cup playoff series at home, most fans and followers of the Florida Everblades never expected their home team would have to return to Germain Arena to finish off the Orlando Solar Bears. By only taking one of the three games in Orlando last week, the Everblades forced the issue in Game 6 Monday night at Germain Arena.
“The last win is always the hardest,” said Blades coach Greg Poss.
With another “last win” situation Monday night, the Orlando Solar Bears again proved how hard it is to put away a team who has nothing to play for but pride, as Florida’s foe forced sudden death overtime withthe Everblades, who eventually finished the job by scoring almost 13 minutes into the extra period of play, finally putting away their pesky foe in six games with the 1-0 overtime win.
The Everblades had their chances in regulation, tallying 31 total shots on Solar Bears goalie Garret Sparks before sudden death overtime began.
Eventually, Florida’s overall outstanding play led to Alex Aleardi scoring the lone goal of the night, after taking a pass from Nicholas Deschamps 13 minutes into overtime, but the real hero on the night was Florida goalie Daniel Altshuller, who kicked away all of the 30 shots he faced in net for his first career shutout, while filling in for starter Allen York.
“It’s really special,” said Altshuller. “The whole game, I just wanted to battle for (my team).”
“It was a long series,” said Poss. “The teams in this league are very similar, but tonight I thought we did a good job defensively, and Altshuller played awesome. I’m just happy we got it done tonight.”
With the first round behind them, the Blades begin preparing for their second round opponent who comes out of the Reading Royals vs. South Carolina Stingrays matchup. Game 1 with Florida’s next opponent is this Friday at Germain Arena.