Reading Survives Everblades Comeback Bid

READING, PA -- Pat Mullane scored twice to help lead the Reading Royals to a 5-4 victory over the Florida Everblades Friday night at Santander Arena.  The Royals (30-13-1-1, 62 pts) now pull within one point of the first place Everblades (29-8-2-3, 63 pts) in the East Division standings.

It took just 52 seconds for the Everblades to strike in the first period. Mitch Wahl shoved in a rebound from a Gleason Fournier shot that beat Reading goaltender Martin Ouellette.

The Royals countered at the eight-minute mark when David Marshall directed a shot toward the net that just slid past a diving Andy Iles in goal to tie the game at one.

The Royals took over in the second period, and capitalized on three Everblades mistakes in their own end.

The first came after Florida had difficulty clearing the zone, and Pat Mullane intercepted a pass and carried it to the top of the crease.   Mullane deked to the backhand and slipped the puck under leg pad of Iles.

Less than two minutes later, Florida coughed up the puck in the slot and Cam Reid stepped into the slot and blistered a shot into the net to extend the Reading lead to 3-1.

A second turnover led to the fourth Royals goal, when Maxim Lamarche wristed a shot from the high slot past Iles to put the score at 4-1.

The Everblades kept their hopes alive late in the second, when Alex Lavoie delivered a pas across the crease to Brant Harris.  Harris batted the puck into the goal behind Ouellette to pull Florida within two after 40 minutes of play.

The Everblades started the period with a tally from Rob Florentino, who picked up the puck from the point and directed it toward the net. The puck clipped past a screened Ouellette for the goal to put scored at 4-3.

Reading grabbed one final goal after a breakaway chance by Mullane. Mullane's shot was stopped by a sprawling save by Iles, but the puck continued to roll slowly toward the net and eventually crossing the line for the goal to put the Royals back on top by two.

The Everblades dominated the third period, outshooting the Royals 22-5 in the final stanza, but Ouellette continued to make all the big saves.

Matt Marquardt shoved in a rebound goal with 12 seconds remaining in regulation, but it would not be enough as the Royals held on for the 5-4 win.

Martin Ouellette earns the win stopping 45 of 49 shots, while Iles takes the loss allowing five goals on 25 shots faced.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday at Santander Arena beginning at 7:05 p.m.  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 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.