Back-to-Back: 'Blades Shutout Eagles

Recap Written by Robert Molnar

LOVELAND, CO  -- Daniel Altshuller stopped all 21 shots faced while Matt Willows and Evan Bloodoff both scored to lead the Everblades to a 2-0 victory over the Colorado Eagles at the Budweiser Events Center Friday night.

For the second consecutive game between the Everblades and the Eagles, the first period remained a scoreless one throughout. Excellent goaltending from both Daniel Altshuller and Kris Lazaruk prevented either side from converting any of the combined seven first period power plays.

The second period played much the same as the first. Both teams managed to get their share of scoring chances throughout the period, with almost all of them being denied by top notch defense and goaltending. However, late in the second period, the Everblades would be the team to finally break the deadlock, scoring on their seventh power play of the game at the 18:06 mark of the period.

Following a two-minute hooking penalty to Colorado’s Teigan Zahn the ensuing faceoff would take place in the Eagles’ zone. The faceoff win by Ethan Werek would get the puck back to Matt Stanisz. The defenseman then sent the puck across to Matt Willows whose bouncing one-timer managed to find its way past Kris Lazaruk to put the Everblades up 1-0.

The Everblades entered the third period up 1-0, but once again under attack from a determined Colorado offense. Exchanging scoring chances for the early part of the period, it would be the Everblades who took advantage of their scoring chances, getting their second of the night at 10:52 of the third period.

Breaking into the zone, Evan Bloodoff sent the puck to Kevin Lynch, who immediately returned the puck right back with a crisp pass. Falling to Bloodoff, the speedy forward would take advantage, wristing a shot past Eagles’ goaltender Kris Lazaruk for his sixth goal of the season.

The Eagles attempted to mount a comeback late in the third period. Pulling the goalie with just over two-minutes remaining in the game, Colorado would mount a serious offensive push. However, even with the extra man, the Eagles could not find a way to beat the sensational Daniel Altshuller. Altshuller denied the Eagles’ shooters at every opportunity, holding on for the shutout and a third straight Everblades victory.

Altshuller earns his third shutout of the season and the Everblades’ second consecutive shutout, stopping all 21 shots faced. Lazaruk has a solid showing in goal but takes the loss, allowing two goals on 34 shots faced.

The Florida Everblades are back in action Saturday night in their final meeting of the season against the Colorado Eagles at the Budweiser Events Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online by CLICKING HEREAway Game Watch Parties Fans are welcome to watch all away games at New York Pizza & Pasta in North Naples, located at 11140 Tamiami Trail. North Naples, and at Cantina 109 located at Gulf Coast Town Center in Fort Myers.

Upcoming Home Games

Wednesday, December 9  vs. Reading Royals, 7:30 p.m. – $2 drafts, $2 wines, $2 hot dogs all night long! Wednesday is also College Night!  College students receive a $5 game ticket with free parking when they present their college ID at Germain Arena.

Friday, December 11 vs. Reading Royals, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat free in Breakaway Sports Pub with purchase on an adult entree!

Saturday, December 12 vs. Reading Royals, 7:00 p.m. The Annual IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss Game! Don't miss the biggest game of the year!  Bring a new teddy bear or stuffed animal to the game. When the Everblades score their first goal, you can throw the teddy bears onto the ice to celebrate! We will round up all of the teddy bears and stuffed animals  and distribute them to local children's charities for the holidays.   Beginning at 5:00 p.m. we will have the tailgate party featuring live music along with bounce houses and face painting for the kids!

Ticket Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Florida Community Bank 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.

Full and Partial Season Ticket Packages: We off full and partial season ticket plans that will save your money and fit your budget and schedule. For more information, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the team's main office located at Germain Arena from Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fans may also stop by our sales tables located in the concourse at Everblades games.

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes###