Blades rebound for 4-1 win
DULUTH, Ga. The Florida Everblades used three power play goals to defeat the Atlanta Gladiators by a score 4-1 score Saturday night.
Looking to avenge Friday’s loss to the Gladiators, the Everblades (4-1) stormed out of the gates with a high compete level in hopes of getting off to a good start. The solid start for Florida was made possible by the play of goaltender Daniel Altshuller, who turned aside three quality scoring chances by the Gladiators (1-2) in the opening minutes of the game.
Florida grabbed the first goal on the power play. Kevin Montgomery raced in the zone and unleashed a slapshot that clipped past Atlanta netminder Andy Iles for the goal to give the ‘Blades a 1-0 lead after the first period.
Matt Marquardt extended the lead to 2-0 after hammering a one-timer from the right wing circle into the net on a power play opportunity in the second period.
In the third, Atlanta took advantage of a 5-on-3 power play opportunity. Derek Nesbitt rifled a slapshot into the back of the net to put the Gladiators on the board at 5:35 of the period.
Five minutes later, the Everblades lit the lamp on the power play for a third time, as Corey Syvret hurled a shot from the right wing circle that beat Iles to put Florida on top 3-1.
Evan Bloodoff later added an empty-net goal to secure the 4-1 victory.
Altshuller improves to 3-0 on the season stopping 19 of 20 shots faced in the game, while Iles takes the loss allowing three goals on 32 shots faced.
Florida travels to Greenville for a Sunday afternoon bout.