‘Blades return to home ice Friday
The Florida Everblades have played just one game in the last 11 days due to the ECHL taking an All-Star break even though they did not play an All-Star game this season. The break ends on Friday, after 13 days, when the Everblades return to home ice at Germain Arena to play Greenville on back-to-back nights bringing a six-game homestead to a close.
Last Friday, the Blades (29-12) defeated Orlando 4-1, their eighth consecutive game (7-0-0-1) without a loss in regulation time.
The Blades continue to lead the South Division standings by seven points over second-place Atlanta (25-17).
“We had the days off and we didn’t play a game,” said Everblades coach Greg Poss. “It took us a while to get going. We were really sharper to start the second period.”
“It’s a good time to get some practice in,” Blades forward Brendan O’Donnell said. “When you’re playing a lot of games in a lot of nights, you don’t get a chance to work on your skills. It’s not that we’re tired a little more than halfway through the season. We just want to work hard and work on some things.”
Florida fired 49 shots on Orlando goalie Rob Madore Friday – 40 in the last two periods. O’Donnell and Maxime St. Cyr each had a goal and an assist for the Blades. Matt Willows and Brant Harris also scored.
“The guys really played well, especially in the second and third periods,” said Poss. “We only allowed 14 shots the last two periods. It was really good the way we forechecked and created scoring chances.”
Anthony Peters stopped 23 shots for his 17th win. He improved to 17-9.
“The guy’s unbelievable,” O’Donnell said. “He’s won us so many games. It’s definitely a confidence booster knowing he’s there to back you up.”
Florida holds a 6-2 lead in the season’s 14-game Wawa Sunshine Cup series between the state’s two ECHL franchises.