Blades Rally, Fall in Shootout

Greenville, SC – The Florida Everblades fought back from a 1-0 deficit after two periods but couldn’t close the deal in the shootout, falling 2-1 to the Greenville Road Warriors Saturday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Following a scoreless, physical first period, Greenville grabbed the lead in the second on the power play as defenseman Brad Cole tapped a backhander through traffic and in before Blades netminder Connor Knapp could recover, posting the home side to a 1-0 lead with 11:37 to go in the middle frame.

Kyle Bonis—celebrating his 25th birthday in style—rang home the equalizer for the Blades with 7:45 to go in the third, getting his second tally in as many nights against Jason Missiaen by ripping a low snap shot under the 6-foot-8 goalie’s glove.

Neither team would be able to score in the remainder of the third or in overtime—though the Everblades hit the post twice—sending the game to the shootout.

Brandon MacLean and Michael St. Croix deadlocked the Blades and Warriors, respectively, through five rounds but Kyle Jean’s goal in the sixth round sealed the shootout and the game for Greenville by a count of 2-1.

Knapp dazzled with 27 saves on 28 shots but didn’t get enough help from the offense to avoid the shootout loss; Missiaen picked up his third win against the Blades behind 32 stops.

Florida will wrap up their three-game road trip Sunday with a 3:00pm matinee against the South Carolina Stingrays at North Charleston Coliseum.

Sunday’s rivalry tilt will be broadcast live online at FloridaEverblades.com and on the Everblades’ app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, with a video webcast available through America ONE, the official broadband and mobile broadcaster of the ECHL, at www.americaonesports.com. Pregame coverage will get under way at 2:45pm.

Beat the Box Office!

Don’t want to pay the box office rate for Everblades tickets? You don’t have to! Save up to $7.00 per ticket with great 10 and 20-game flex plans and group rates for the remainder of the 2013-14 campaign. Lock in your flex plan or group seats now for the Blades’ next home game on February 19.

For more information call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades main office located at Germain Arena.

Office hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning.

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