Blades prevail 3-2
ORLANDO The Florida Everblades handed the Orlando Solar Bears their first home loss of the season 3-2 victory Saturday night in front of 7,511 fans to take a two points lead in the “Wawa Sunshine Cup” season series.
Orlando rookie Erik Bradford opened the score at the 1:52 mark by beating goaltender Daniel Altshuller for his first goal of the season.
Florida responded on the power play. Everblades forward Mike Aviani sailed a shot over the shoulder of Ryan Massa to tally his team-leading fifth goal of the year.
The Blades took their first lead of the game at the 10:17 mark of the opening stanza. Defenseman Corey Syvret wristed a left-point shot past a screened Massa to make it 2-1 Florida after 20 minutes of play.
In the second period, Florida’s Brant Harris cut in from the right wing and fed a sweet pass to Evan Bloodoff, who cashed in his fourth of the campaign giving the Blades a 3-1 lead.
The Solar Bears closed the margin to one as Eric Baier buried a slot shot for his second of the season at the 13:29 mark.
In the third period, Orlando registered 10 shots on net, but Altshuller made several key saves to preserve the victory.
The Everblades continue their five-game road trip on Sunday at 6 p.m. against Orlando to wrap up the weekend series.