READING, PA -- Evan Bloodoff scored with one-tenth of a second remaining in regulation to force overtime, but the Reading Royals sealed the 3-2 win in the ninth round of the shootout at Santander Arena Sunday Evening. The Everblades (29-9-2-4, 64 pts) earn a big point in the game, and finish the four-game road trip 0-2-1-1 (2 pts).
Reading registered the game's first goal at 3:06 of the first period on the power play. Ryan Cruthers tipped and redirected a Mike Marcou shot past Florida goaltender Andy Iles for the goal.
Two minutes later, the Royals scored again, on a shorthanded strike from David Marshall to take a 2-0 lead.
The Everblades got on the board on the power play at 12:07 of the opening frame. Mitch Wahl centered a pass to Evan Bloodoff at the top of the crease. Bloodoff batted the puck into the net past goaltender Martin Ouellette.
The 2-1 score held all the way through the final second of regulation. Cameron Burt hammered a bouncing puck at the blue line for a last ditch shot attempt. The puck tipped off the stick of Bloodoff and clipped into the net with one-tenth of a second remaining. to send the game to overtime.
Andy Iles stood on his head in the extra session as Reading received a power play chance and peppered shots on the Florida net.
The game went to the shootout, and Andrew Johnston recorded the game winner in the ninth round to secure the 3-2 Reading win. Johnston was one of just three shooters to score in the shootout.
Ouellette earns the win stopping 36 of 38 shots faced in the game, while Iles was stellar down the stretch, but takes the loss allowing two goals on 25 shots.
The Everblades will now return home and open up a nine-game homestand on Wednesday against Fort Wayne. Fans can tune in online at theislandfm.net Upcoming Home Games & Promotions
Wednesday, February 11, vs. Fort Wayne, 7:30 p.m. – Enjoy $2 drafts, wines, and hot dogs all night long! It’s also College Night, $5 tickets w/ free parking for all college students with college ID.Friday, February 13, vs. Kalamazoo, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14, vs. Kalamazoo, 7:00 p.m. Hearts & Hockey Ticket Packs are now on sale for just $50!*T-Shirt*Autographed Puck *4-Endzone Ticket Vouchers which can be redeemed for any ganme this season.
To order, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades main office at Germain Arena. Hearts & Hockey Packs are also available on game nights at the Everblades information table located in the concourse. 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 at www.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.