Everblades Blast Past Solar Bears 4-1

Recap Written by Robert Molnar

ORLANDO, FL – Matt Willows, Evan Bloodoff, Kevin Lynch and Brant Harris each scored to lead the Florida Everblades (23-11-0-0, 46 pts) to a 4-1 victory over the Orlando Solar Bears (12-14-2-3, 29 pts) at the Amway Center Sunday night. The ‘Blades now lead the Wawa Sunshine Cup series 10-points to 4.

Much like Saturday night, the Solar Bears wasted little time taking the early lead, scoring the opening goal only 1:11 into the period. Moving into the attacking zone, Orlando’s Eric Baier sent a stretch pass across to a streaking TJ Foster. Alone in front of the net, Foster wristed his shot past Everblades’ goaltender Anthony Peters to give Orlando the early lead.

It would not take long for the Everblades’ to equalize the score, tying the game at the 10:54 mark of the first period. Beginning to up the pressure on the Solar Bears, Ryan Martindale fired a shot on goal that was saved but not covered by Orlando net minder Rob Madore. With the rebound loose, Matt Willows was able to get to the puck first and bury the second chance opportunity into the back of the net.

Entering the second period tied at 1-1, neither team would manage to find a go-ahead goal throughout the middle frame. While both would have some scoring chances, neither team could find a way to beat the opposition’s goaltender.

Following the scoreless second period, it would be the Everblades’ that would break the 1-1 tie. Just over five-minutes into the third period, Evan Bloodoff received the puck in the neutral zone. Turning on the jets, Bloodoff blew by the Solar Bears defense, moved towards the slot and ripped a shot past Orlando goalkeeper Rob Madore to give the ‘Blades a 2-1 lead.

Trailing 2-1, the Solar Bears began to up the pressure on the Everblades. Still trailing late in the game, Orlando would pull their goaltender in favor of the extra attacker with just over a minute remaining in the game. The risk would prove futile as Kevin Lynch would take advantage of a neutral zone turnover to score an empty net tally with 1:09 remaining in the game.

Orlando would again pull their goaltender with under a minute remaining in the game only to have Brant Harris add to the ‘Blades lead at the 19:46 mark of the third period.

Anthony Peters earns his eleventh win of the season, stopping 18 of the 19 shots he faced. Rob Madore takes the loss for Orlando despite a solid night in goal, allowing two goals on 22 shots.

The Florida Everblades return to ice this Thursday night when they travel to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena to take on the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in the first of three straight games against their divisional rivals. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online by CLICKING HERE

Upcoming Homes Games

Wednesday, January 13 vs. Brampton Beast, 7:30 p.m. – $2 Drafts, $2 Wines, & $2 Hot Dogs all night long!  College Night! College students receive $5 tickets with free parking when they present their college ID at Germain Arena.

Friday, January 15 vs. Brampton Beast, 7:30 p.m. – "Paint the Ice Night" Fans will have the opportunity to Paint the Ice following the game! ....Kids eat free in Breakaway Sports Pub with purchase on an adult entree!

Saturday, January 16 vs. Brampton Beast, 7:00 p.m. – Watch the 'Blades battle Brampton on the fan painted ice surface!  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.

Partial Season Ticket Packages:  Partial season ticket plans are available 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###