Reading Ties Series with 3-2 Overtime Win in Game 4

ESTERO, FL  –   T.J. Syner’s goal 4:46 into overtime, lifted the Reading Royals to a 3-2 win over the Florida Everblades in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Germain Arena Friday night.  The best-of-seven series is now tied at 2-2.

The ‘Blades were first on the board after ten minutes of play in the first period. Tommi Kivisto took a shot from the blue line and sent the puck flying towards the slot. Matthew Pistilli redirected the puck past Reading goaltender Riley Gill for the goal to give Florida the 1-0 lead after the first period of play. 

Halfway through  the second period, Ian O’Connor skated the puck from end-to end and wristed a shot from the bottom of the left wing circle which flew into the right side of the net past Florida netminder Jesse Deckert tying the game at one heading into the second break.

The Royals took their first lead of the game at 8:23 of the third.  Defenseman Dominic Jalbert picked up a loose puck in front and fired it into the net for the goal to give his team the 2-1 lead. 

Reading held onto its lead for the majority of the third period, however with only a 1:06 remaining in regulation, the ‘Blades answered back to tie the game. Corey Trivino fed a pass across the ice to Kivisto who fired a shot from the left wing circle.  The shot clipped through the five-hole of Gill for the goal to send the game to overtime tied at 2-2. .

Both teams exchanged scoring chances early in overtime, and after a chance by the Everblades, Reading steered a pass out of the zone to T.J. Syner who caught the puck at the Florida blue line for a breakaway chance.  Syner fired the puck past the blocker of Deckert for the game winning goal, and seal the 3-2 Reading victory.  Reading tied the series at 2-2, and forces a Game 6 back at the SovereignCenter in Reading on Tuesday.

Deckert takes the loss allowing three goals on 28 shots faced, while Gill earns the win allowing two goals on 26 shots.

The two teams meet again on Saturday for Game 5 to be played at Germain Arena. Game time set for 7:00 p.m. The game will also 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 is tied at 2-2)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 (7:00 pm) at  Florida (Playoff Game F)Game 6:  Tuesday, April 30 (7:05 pm) at ReadingGame 7:  Wednesday, May 1 (7:05 pm) at Reading (If Necessary)

Tickets for Game 5 are currently on sale!  College students can receive a $5 ticket by presenting their college I.D. to the Capital Bank Box Office at Germain Arena.

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 atwww.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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