'Blades Rally Late to Clip Wings 2-1

KALAMAZOO, MI – Matt Marquardt’s power play goal with 1:24 remaining propelled the Florida Everblades to a 2-1 victory over the Kalamazoo Wings at Wings Stadium Saturday night. Florida has now won five straight games, all of which have come on the road.

Late in the first period, Kalamazoo took advantage of an Everblades turnover in the neutral zone. Wings forward Aaron Clarke intercepted a pass out at center and took off on a scoring chance toward the Everblades net. Clarke lifted a shot high into the net from the left side of the crease, which beat Florida goaltender John Muse.  The goal gave the Wings a 1-0 lead after the first period.

Kalamazoo protected the lead throughout the entire second period, and for the first 15 minutes of the third.  Muse continued to turn aside all Kalamazoo shots to keep the game within reach.

Florida finally found a way to crack the Kalamazoo defense, as Mathieu Roy centered a feed in front to the Bobby Raymond who fired a shot on goal which was stopped by K-Wings goaltender Joel Martin. However, the rebound clipped to the right side the crease, and Ryan O’Byrne crashed the net, and batted the puck into the the net for the tying goal.

Following the goal, Kalamazoo got into penalty trouble.  Upset about a penalty call, Kalamazoo Head Coach Nick Bootland received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, which set up a 5-on-3 power play for Florida.

Florida took advantage, as O’Byrne set up Matt Marquardt for a one-time shot on the shortside of the net. Marquardt’s shot ripped past the Martin for the go-ahead goal to give Florida the 2-1 lead.

Florida was able to close out the game on the remaining power play time, and earn their fifth straight victory.

John Muse earns the win stopping 24 of 25 shots faced, while Martin take the loss allowing two goals on 32 shots.

Florida will close out its seven game road trip on Sunday afternoon against the Toledo Walleye. Game time is slated for 5:05 p.m. . The game will not  be broadcast on 96 K-Rock (96.1 FM), and will be available only on America One.

Florida’s next home game is Wednesday, December 19 against the Orlando Solar Bears. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Fans can skate with Santa following the game. Every Wednesday game features $2 drafts, wines, and hot dogs all night long in the concourse.

Ticket Information: The Capital Bank Box Office is open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fans may also call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or order online at www.ticketmaster.com

Partial-season packages are still available, and start as low as $150 and offer a flexible option for fans. These packages make for great holiday gifts for the hockey fan in your life! For more information on all available packages, call the Everblades office at 239-948-7825.