ESTERO, FL – For the second time in as many games, the Florida Everblades rallied from a 2-0 first period deficit to defeat the Gwinnett Gladiators 5-3 at Germain Arena Friday night. The Everblades (19-3-0-1) extend their winning streak to seven games.
Just as they did on Wednesday, the Gladiators assumed an early 2-0 lead. The first goal came just 1:08 into the game when Bo Dolan’s shot from the blue line beat Everblades goaltender Andy Iles who was screened in front.
Halfway through the period, J.P. Labardo wristed a shot high in the corner of the net to put the score at 2-0.
Florida got on the board with a power play marker three minutes later. Adam Brace one-timed a shot behind goaltender Mark Guggenberger to pull the ‘Blades within one.
The Everblades tied late in the second period when Jeff Costello broke in on goal on a breakaway and wristed a shot into the net for the goal.
At 1:08 of the third period, Artem Sergeev hurled a shot from up at the blue line which clipped past Guggenberger which gave the Everblades the lead at 3-2.
Seven minutes later, Mitch Wahl attempted a wraparound attempt that was initially stopped by Guggenberger, but the puck hopped up in the air and bounced into the Gwinnett net for Florida’s fourth unanswered goal.
However Gwinnett did answer five minutes on Labardo’s second tally of the game to pull the Gladiators within one.
Once again, it was too little too late for the Gladiators, as the Everblades added an empty net goal by Evan Bloodoff to secure the 5-3 win.
Iles earns the win stopping 23 of 26 shots, while Guggenberger takes the loss allowing four goals on 31 shots.
The Everblades will have a few days off to enjoy the holiday season, but will return to action on Saturday, December 27 at Orlando. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. The Evebrlades will return home again on January 9 & 10 against Orlando.
Upcoming Home Games & Promotions
Friday, January 9, 7:30 p.m. vs. Orlando .Saturday, January 10, 7:00 p.m. vs. Orlando - The Fur Circus will be performing and it's Heroes and Villains Night!
Ticket Information
Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Century Link Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online atwww.ticketmaster.com
Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.
12 & 24 Game Ticket Packages are currently on sale! All packages save you money from the box office price, and come with many great benefits. For more information call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades Main Office located at Germain Arena, Monday—Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Holiday Ticket Packs are now on sale! Receive four endzone vouchers for any game during the regular season, an Everblades holiday t-shirt, and an autograph puck for just $50! Holiday packs will be available at the Everblades information table in the concourse during home games, or at the Everblades main office located a Germain Arena.