EVERBLADES FALL IN SHOOTOUT IN TIGHTLY CONTESTED BATTLE
KALAMAZOO, MI – Kalamazoo’s Joel Martin made 41 saves to help lead the Kalamazoo Wings to a tightly contested 2-1 shootout win over the Florida Everblades at Wings Stadium Sunday afternoon. The Everblades conclude the four-game road trip grabbing seven out of a possible eight points.
After a scoreless first period, the tight checking game continued in the second period until the 13:19 mark.
John Armstrong grabbed the puck in the corner and curled to the bottom of the left wing circle. Armstrong threw a wrist shot toward the net and was able to find a hole between the body of Everblades goaltender Jesse Deckert and the post for the goal. Kalamazoo took the 1-0 lead into the second intermission.
Florida tied the game at 12:47 of the third period. Daniel Koger fired a shot from the blue line which was tipped in front of Maury Edwards who redirected the puck into the net past the glove of Joel Martin to tie the game at 1-1.
Both teams continued to apply pressure on one another, but both Deckert and Martin continued to come up big with several clutch saves down the stretch to send the game to overtime.
Neither team scored in overtime, which forced the shootout. Kalamazoo scored on each of its first two shooters on goals by Nick Sirota and Alexandre Grenier. Florida’s Danick Gauthier kept the ‘Blades alive with a goal of his own. However, Kalamazoo’s Alexandre Mallet was able to beat Deckert in the fourth round of the shootout to seal the tight 2-1 win for the Wings.
Both goaltenders chipped in strong efforts in the game. Deckert takes the loss allowing one goal on 27 shots faced. Deckert finished the week with a 3-0-0-1 record. Martin earned the win allowing just one goal on 42 shots faced.
The Everblades return home on 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! The two teams will also meet again at Germain Arena on Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17.
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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