Lynch lifts Everblades 2-1
GREENVILLE, S.C. Kevin Lynch scored the game-winning goal midway through the third period Thursday night as the Florida Everblades defeated the Greenville Swamp Rabbits 2-1.
The Everblades (24-11) struck first in the game, taking the lead 17:10 into the opening period. Getting into the attacking zone, Ryan Martindale found Matt Willows at the left wing circle. Willows, moving toward the goal, fired a quick shot through the five hole of Greenville goaltender Mackenzie Skapski. The goal also is the 34th point of the season for Willows.
Both the Everblades and the Swamp Rabbits (17-18) were scoreless in the second period. While both teams got good opportunities throughout the middle frame, neither found a way to beat the stellar goaltending by Anthony Peters and Mackenzie Skapski.
The Swamp Rabbits were the first to strike in the third period, tying the game at the 3:47 mark. From behind the net, Darian Dziurzynski whipped a shot from an almost impossible angle, off Peters’ left pad into the back of the net.
Midway through the third period, the Blades once again too the lead, scoring at the 9:02 mark. Working the puck toward the Greenville net, an initial wraparound attempt by Evan Bloodoff was stopped, but the rebound popped right to Lynch in the low slot, who quickly buried the puck in the open net for a 2-1 Blades lead.
Unable to tie the game, Greenville pulled its goaltender in favor of the extra attacker with just under two minutes remaining. Despite some quality scoring chances, Peters denied every attempt sealing the win.
Peters earns the win by stopping 21 of the 22 shots faced. Skapski took the loss, allowing two goals on 41 shots.
The Blades return to the ice Friday in the second of three straight games against the Swamp Rabbits.