Everblades Close Road Trip with 2-1 Shootout Loss

Recap Written by Robert Molnar / Photo Courtesy of Greenville Swamp Rabbits

GREENVILLE, SC – Mackenzie Skapski stopped every shooter he faced in the shootout while Jordan Knackstedt scored the only shootout goal to lead the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (18-13-6-0, 42 pts) to a 2-1 win over the Florida Everblades (25-11-0-1, 51 pts) at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena Saturday night.  Despite the loss the Evrrblades earned a standings point, and will bring home five of a possible six points back from the road trip.

Though both teams came out looking to take an early lead, missed chances and quality goaltending from both Anthony Peters and Mackenzie Skapski kept both teams scoreless throughout the entirety of the first period.

Following the scoreless first period, it would be the Swamp Rabbits taking the game’s first lead midway through the second period. Moving the puck into the attacking zone, Justin DaSilva used a highlight reel play when he got past the defense and backhanded a shot top shelf past Everblades goaltender Anthony Peters.

Down 1-0 entering the third period, the pressure of scoring a tying goal would be all on the ‘Blades. Finally, late in the third period, the ‘Blades would find a tying goal. Receiving the puck at the right point, Brant Harris wristed a shot through traffic and past a screened Skapski.

With neither team able to find a game-winning goal late in regulation, the game headed to a five-minute overtime period for the second straight night. Despite some excellent chances for both sides, neither the ‘Blades nor the Swamp Rabbits could find a goal.

With the score still tied following overtime, the game headed to a shootout. Jordan Knackstedt’s goal to open the shootout was all the Swamp Rabbits needed as goaltender Mackenzie Skapski stopped all three of the Everblades’ shooters to give Swamp Rabbits the victory in the shootout.

Mackenzie Skapski earns the win for the Swamp Rabbits, stopping 36 of the 37-shots he faced. Anthony Peters takes the loss -- snapping his three game winning streak -- as he allows the only goal in the shootout while stopping 28 of the 29-shots he faced.

The Florida Everblades return to the ice this Wednesday night when they will welcome the Brampton Beast to Germain Arena for the first ever meeting between the two teams. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can purchase tickets at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Fans can also 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....Saturday is also "Canadian Night" presented by TD Bank! Canadian inspired food such as poutine and Labatt Blue specials will be offered all night.... 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!

CTicket 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###