'Blades Defeat Idaho 4-3 in Overtime

By Bryce Wight, Everblades Media Relations Assistant. Above Photo Courtesy of Lexee Rogers

ESTERO, FL -- Matt Willows scored the game-winning goal with 2:37 in overtime to lift the Florida Everblades to a 4-3 victory over the Idaho Steelheads Friday night at Germain Arena.

Nearly 11 minutes into the first period, Idaho’s Jefferson Dahl scored his sixth goal of the year as he put a power play goal past Anthony Peters from the right wing giving the Steelheads an early 1-0 lead.

Four minutes later on a delayed penalty, Taylor Peters put one into the net giving the Steelheads a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

Then in the second period, the Everblades exploded for three unanswered goals to take the lead 3-2.

The first goal came two minutes into the second period when captain, Matt Marquardt, scored the first goal of the night for the Everblades with the help of Brant Harris and Ethan Werek.

Three minutes later, Harris was able to score a goal of his own on a 2-on-1 chance. Harris faked the pass and kept it himself and blew it past Philippe Desrosiers to tie the game up at two.

Exactly one minute later, Matt Willows scored a power play goal for the Everblades, when he stuffed the puck into the Idaho net from the top of the crease. Willows’ tally gave the Florida the lead 3-2.

The goal signaled the end of the night for Desrosiers in net for Idaho, who was replaced by Maxime Legace.

The Steelheads were able to fight their way back late in the second period scoring their third goal of the night with two minutes left in the period. Rob Linsmayer scored his third goal of the year as he bull-rushed the net and was able to squeeze one past Peters tying the game up 3-3.

After a scoreless third period the Everblades and Steelheads went into a 3-on-3 overtime where Willows tipped and redirected a shot from Ethan Werek into the net for the game winner. The goal was the second of the game for Willows.

Peters earned the win stopping 19 of 22 shots, while Legace takes the loss despite a relief effort stopping 17 of 18 shots. Desrosiers allowed three goals on 13 shots.

The Everblades are back at it against the Steelheads Saturday Nov. 14 at Germain Arena. Game time is set at 7:00 p.m.Next Home GameSaturday, November 14  vs. Idaho Steelheads, 7:00 p.m. – Military & Veterans Night.The Everblades will be wearing special military themed jerseys which be auctioned off following the game with the proceeds benefiting the National Coalition for Patriots.

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.

Away 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.

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