Nemec’s Overtime Strike Seals 3-2 Win at Greenville

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

GREENVILLE, SC – Mark Nemec scored the game-winning goal at 4:12 of overtime as the Florida Everblades (25-11-0-0, 50 pts) defeated the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (17-13-6-0, 40 pts) 3-2 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena Friday night.

The Everblades would once again open the scoring against the Swamp Rabbits, netting the game’s first goal midway through the opening period. Getting the puck into the attacking zone, Gabriel Desjardins found Brent Harris alone at the blue line. With Maxime St. Cyr screening Greenville goaltender Allen York, Harris blasted a one-time effort from the blue line and past York for a 1-0 Everblades lead.

Less than two-minutes after the Harris strike, the Swamp Rabbits scored their first of the night off a faceoff in the Everblades zone. Getting the puck off the faceoff, Andrew Dommett’s pass from the left circle managed to split the ‘Blades defenders and find the waiting stick of Michael St. Croix. Alone at the backdoor, St. Croix steered the puck past Everblades  goaltender Anthony Peters to tie the game.

The Everblades would strike back, retaking the lead late in the second period. Getting the puck to the high slot area, Ryan Martindale fired a low wrist shot towards the net and through the five hole of Allen York to restore the one-goal Everblades lead.

However, once again, the Swamp Rabbits wasted no time tying the game, retying the game with just over 11-seconds remaining in the middle frame. A superb pass from Vinny Saponari was able to spring Darian Dziurzynski on a breakaway. One-on-one with Anthony Peters, Dziurzynski’s forehand shot beat the Everblades goaltender on the glove side to once again tie the two teams.

With neither team able to find a game-winner in the third period, the game would head to a five-minute three-on-three overtime period. With less than a minute remaining in overtime, the ‘Blades would get a 2-on-1 break. From the left wing, Evan Bloodoff found Mark Nemec open in the slot. Receiving the puck, Nemec smoked a shot past the Greenville goaltender to deliver the ‘Blades a 3-2 overtime victory.

Anthony Peters was sensational in goal for the Everblades, stopping 38 of the 40 shots he faced. Former Everblades’ goaltender Allen York takes the loss for Greenville, allowing three goals on 25 shots.

Nemec has now scored two overtime winning goals this season for the Everblades. The first was scored back on December 11 in a 3-2 decision against the Reading Royals.

The Florida Everblades conclude their current five game road swing Saturday night when they will once again take on the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at the Ben Secours Wellness Arena. 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 GamesWednesday, 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 at www.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###