'Blades Blast Komets 6-3 Friday NIght

EVERBLADES BLAST KOMETS 6-3 FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WIN

FORT WAYNE, IN – Corey Trivino and Mike Ratchuk each posted three-point games to help lead the Florida Everblades to a 6-3 victory over the Fort Wayne Komets Friday night at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

After a tight start to the game, Florida got on the board first when Mike Merrifield rushed into the zone on the right wing side and carried the puck to the side of the net. Merrifield shoved a backhanded shot which beat Fort Wayne goaltender Jeff Deslauriers five-hole to give the ‘Blades a 1-0 lead after the first 20 minutes.

The Komets countered early in the second when Jamie Milam blasted snap shot from the slot which beat Florida netminder Jesse Deckert cleanly to tie the game at one.

Nearly three minutes later, Florida grabbed the lead back when Tyson Gimblett received a pass from the slot and wristed the puck into the Fort Wayne net to give the Everblades the 2-1 edge. The goal was the first for Gimblett since joining the ‘Blades in February.

Mike Ratchuk extended the lead further at 15:18 of the second period, when he tipped a Charles Landry shot from the point, and steered the puck into back of the net to put ‘Blades ahead 3-1 after two periods.

Florida kept the momentum going in the third, when Mathieu Roy fed a pass to the Corey Trivino at the right wing circle. Trivino skated to the top of the crease, and switched the backhand and slipped the puck under the left pad of Deslauriers to put the score at 4-1.

The Komets pulled back within two halfway through the period, when Matt Firman picked up a loose puck in the slot and fired a wrist shot past a screened Deckert.

The Everblades quickly quelled any momentum the Komets gained, by scoring a goal of their own just 25 seconds later. Trivino returned the favor to Roy with a pass to his line mate in the slot.  Roy spun around and directed the puck past the outstretched leg of Deslauriers for the goal to Florida back ahead by three 5-2.

However, the Komets refused to go away without a fight receiving a goal Tyler Butler at 14:16 to close the gap to two.

The Fort Wayne comeback bid was cut short, when the Everblades chipped in an empty-net goal by Matthew Pistilli at 17:56 to \seal the 6-3 victory for Florida.

Deckert earns his second win in just his second pro start stopping 30 of 33 shots faced. Deslauriers takes the loss allowing five goals on 36 shots faced in the game.

GAME NOTES:  Newcomer Tyler Dittmer, who played in his first professional game, recorded an assist in the second period.  Trivino finished with a goal and two assists and a game best +4 rating. The game marked the first ever meeting between the two teams. With the win, Florida jumps ot fifth place in the conference just one point back of fourth place Elmira.  The ‘Blades also sit in seond in the South Division behind Gwinnett.

The two teams meet again tomorrow with a 7:35 start time. The game will be broadcast on 96 K-Rock (96.1 FM).

The Everblades next home game is Wednesday, March 13 against the South Carolina Stingrays.  It will be the final Wednesday game of the regular season, and the fan’s last chance to enjoy $2 drafts, $2 wines, and $2 hot dogs all night long!

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

Group discounts are also available, and can save fans up $8 off per ticket from the normal box office price. For more information on all available packages, call the Everblades office at 239-948-7825

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