'Blades Battle for 2-1 Win Over Reading in Game 6

READING, PA  –  Adam Brace and Leigh Salters each scored goals in a 90-second span in the third period to lift the Everblades to a 2-1 victory over the Reading Royals in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Sovereign Center Tuesday evening.  The best-of-seven series is now tied at 3-3, with a winner take all Game 7 scheduled on Wednesday in Reading.

After nearly 39 minutes of scoreless action, Reading broke the stalemate on a perfectly set up play down low in front.  The Royals Alex Berry delivered the puck from the slot to Joel Champagne on the right wing circle.  Champagne sent the puck back across which hit off an Everblades stick and landed on the backside of the crease. Barry Almeida tapped the puck into the net behind goaltender Jesse Deckert for the goal with 49 seconds remaining in the middle frame. The Royals took the 1-0 lead into the second intermission.

Reading continued to hang on to its one goal lead for the first half of the third period, as Riley gill continued to stop Everblades scoring chances.

However, at 10:23 of the period Florida netted the equalizer.  Mike Cornell fired a shot from the blue line which was tipped in front by Adam Brace.  Brace redirected the shot past Gill’s shoulder for the tying goal.  The goal was the sixth of the postseason for Brace.

The Everblades grabbed the lead just 90 seconds later.  After a shot hit the post, the puck bounced back in front of the net forcing a wild scramble for possession.  The puck rolled to the stick of Leigh Salters at the top of the crease. Salters shoved the puck into the net past Gill to give Florida the 2-1 advantage.

Reading continued to press in the game’s final eight minutes, but the ‘Blades and Deckert were able to hold off the Royals for the 2-1 win, and even the series at three games apiece.

Both goaltenders were sharp in net, as Deckert earns the win stopping 26 of 27 shots faced, while Gill take the loss allowing two goals on 28 shots. 

The two teams meet again on Wednesday for Game 7 at the Sovereign Center in Reading, PA.  Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. The game will mark the 24th Game 7 in ECHL history.

The game will be broadcast on 96 K-Rock (96.1 FM), or online at www.floridaeverblades.com

The following is a complete schedule of the best-of-seven series:

(1) Reading Royals v (4) Florida Everblades (Series tied 3-3)Game 1:  Friday, April 19: Florida – 4  at Reading – 3Game 2:  Saturday, April 20: Florida – w  at Reading – 3Game 3: Wednesday, April 24: Reading – 1  at Florida – 4Game 4: Friday, April 26 : Reading – 3 at Florida – 2 (OT)Game 5  Saturday, April 27: Reading – 5 at Florida – 4 (OT)Game 6:  Tuesday, April 30: Florida – 2  at Reading – 1Game 7:  Wednesday, May 1 (7:05 pm) at Reading

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

Season ticket packages for the 2013-14 season are currently on sale. Call 239-948-7825 to speak to a sales representative about package options

The Florida Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes & Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL, and the Charlotte Checkers & Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League.

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