Stingrays Slip Past 'Blades In Shootout

ESTERO, FL – Frankie Simonelli scored in the eights round of the overtime shootout to lift the South Carolina Stingrays to a 2-1 victory over the Everblades Saturday night at Germain Arena.   Despite the loss the ‘Blades do pick up a point in the standings and take three of four possible points on the weekend.

Both teams held each other in check for the first 40 minutes of the games.  However, things opened up during a 42-second span in the third period as both teams traded off goals.

The first came at 4:14 of the period when Joe Devin wristed a shot that beat Everblades goaltender Allen York to break up the scoreless tie.

The South Carolina lead did not last long, as just seconds later, Matt Mangene tied it up on a great individual effort.  Mangene carried the puck from the neutral zone and swooped in the zone on the right wing side and carried the puck to the circle.  Mangene snapped a shot that cleanly beat netminder Adam Morrison to tie the game at one.

The 1-1 scored held up through the end of regulation and overtime, forcing the shootout.  Both goaltender continued to out duel one another making repeated saves.   In the eighth round of the shootout, Frankie Simonelli beat York on a wrist shot to put Rays on top.  Brant Harris had the opportunity to keep the ‘Blades alive, but Morrison made the necessary stop to give his team the 2-1 shootout victory.

Morrison nets the win stopping 22 of 23 shots, while York takes the loss in a solid effort allowing one goal on 18 shots.

The Everblades will battle the Orlando Solar Bears on Friday (October 24) at Germain Arena.  Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.