Irwin Scores Twice as 'Blades Edge Cyclones 2-1

CINCINNATI, OH – Brayden Irwin’s two goals helped lead the Everblades to a tight 2-1 victory over the Cincinnati Cyclones at U.S. Bank Arena Friday night.  The win was the fourth straight for the ‘Blades, who are now 4-1 on the current seven-game road trip.

Florida used an offensive zone faceoff to take the early lead in the game at 5:01 of the first period. After a faceoff win by Brayden Irwin, the puck rolled to the blue line where Tommi Kivisto rolled a shot toward the net. The puck was slowed by a body in front, and skipped to Irwin who directed the bouncing puck past Cyclones netminder Brian Foster for the goal to give Florida the 1-0 lead.

Irwin struck again with 43 seconds remaining in the first.  Florida forced a turnover behind the net, and Mathieu Roy steered a pass to the slot to Irwin. Irwin spun around and fired a wrist shot which beat Foster high on the glove side for the goal. Irwin’s second of the game gave Florida a 2-0 advantage after the first period.

Cincinnati battled back in the second, scoring on a power play opportunity 4:04 into the period. Shalla flipped a shot from the circle which was blocked in front by Florida. The puck bounced back to Shalla, who then carried the puck to the slot, and flipped a backhand shot past Muse for the goal, pulling the Cyclones within one after two periods played.

Both teams battled hard in the third, but the Everblades were able to fend off the Cyclones for a majority of the period. Cincinnati went on the power play with 2:41 remaining in regulation. The Cyclones pulled the goaltender to allow for the extra attacker to create a 6-on-4 advantage.

On that power play opportunity, an Everblades turnover in front created a chance for Mathieu Aubin. The Cyclones Captain broke in towards the net and fired a backhand shot, which was turned aside on a fantastic save by John Muse. Mike Embach rushed in for the rebound chance, but Muse got a stick on the shot to keep the puck out.  The clutch saves by Muse helped preserve the 2-1 victory for Florida.

Muse earns the win stopping 26 of 27 shots faced in the contest, while Foster takes the loss allowing two goals on 18 shots faced in the game.

Florida will face the Kalamazoo Wings at Wings Stadium on Saturday.  Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on 96 K-Rock (96.1 FM), and online at www.floridaeverblades.com

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.