Blades Drop First of Three Game Series

Duluth, GA- The Florida Everblades hot streak in the first period was quickly extinguished by the Gwinnett Gladiators four goal rally in the final period, dropping the first of a three game series this weekend 4-2 at GwinnettCenter Friday night.

The Everblades led a strong first period, with the shots on goal overpowering the Gladiators 11-2. Holding down the puck for the majority of the first period, the Blades tallied their first goal when Mathieu Roy passed a beauty to A.J. Jenks and got one past Guggenberger on a Power Play. Guggenberger played his debut game Friday with the Gladiators after a trade earlier Friday from the Alaska Aces.

Later in the first, Stefan Della Rovere scored for the Blades from the right faceoff circle, getting another one past Guggenberger to give the Blades a steady lead at 2-0 at the end of the first. Della Rovere was assisted by Joe Stejskal and Trevor Bruess at 10:46 of the first period.

The Everblades defense suppressed any scoring opportunity for the Gladiators in the second period, as the Blades dominated in shots on goal 11-3.

The Gladiators gained momentum in the third, tying down a four goal streak. Jerome Gauthier-Leduc slapped in a goal from the near point, getting one past Everblades goalie Trevor Cann (27-19-2-4) with little time into the third period at 1:23 from a Gladiators Power Play.

Joey Haddad quickly tied up the game nearly three minutes later from the top of the crease at 4:34 in the third period. Dirk Southern sneaked another one in from the bottom of the far circle with 13:16 left in the third. The Everblades put up a fight, outshooting the Gladiators the first two periods, but could not gain on the Gladiators hot streak. Southern pulled the Gladiators out of reach by scoring an empty net goal in the final minute of play.

The Everblades are looking to make a comeback tonight, playing the second of a three game series versus the Gwinnett Gladiators at The Arena at GwinnettCenter Saturday at 7:05pm.

Saturday’s game 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 6:50pm.

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 21.

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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