Everblades Blaze Past Gladiators 4-1

Recap written by Robert Molnar.Above Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Gladiators / Taylor Trebotte

DULUTH, GA – Brendan O’Donnell scored twice while Kevin Lynch also added a goal and an assist to lead the Florida Everblades (37-19-0-2, 76 pts) to a 4-1 victory over the Atlanta Gladiators (29-23-5-2, 65 pts) Thursday night at the Infinite Energy Arena. The result allows the Everblades’ to continue to hold a one point advantage in the South Division standings.

The Everblades opened the nights scoring, taking advantage of some traffic in front of the Atlanta goal to take the lead midway through the opening period. Getting the puck in the offensive zone, Rob Florentino fired a slap shot through traffic and towards the net. Getting his stick on the puck, Jon DiSalvatore managed to deflect Florentino’s shot past Atlanta goaltender Matt Ginn and into the back of the net.

Atlanta wasted no time tying the game, needing just under four minutes after the DiSalvatore goal to tie the game. A big hit from Joe Stejskal forced a turnover in the Gladiators’ zone. Picking up the puck, Patrick D’Amico started down the ice. Going one-on-one with an Everblades defenseman, D’Amico moved to the top of the circle and wristed a shot past ‘Blades goaltender Rasmus Tirronen.

Heading into the second period, both teams would continue their high paced attacks. The ‘Blades took advantage of the fast pace first, taking a 2-1 lead midway through the middle frame. Getting to the front door, Brendan O’Donnell deked across the crease, waited for Atlanta goaltender Matt Ginn to make the first move and stuffed the puck around Ginn to give the ‘Blades the 2-1 lead.

Entering the third period, both teams continued their push on offense. Though both teams received some early chances, it would be the Everblades’ once again taking advantage of their chances, extending their lead to 3-1. Fighting for the puck at the top of the crease, Brendan O’Donnell managed to get his stick on it, shoving the puck through the five hole of Matt Ginn and into the net.

The Everblades continued to grow their lead, scoring their fourth goal of the night midway through the final period. Getting the puck in the corner, Brendan O’Donnell slid a centering feed across to a charging Kevin Lynch. Receiving the pass, Lynch snapped a quick wrist shot high into the top corner of the net.

Rasmus Tirronen earned the win in goal for the Everblades, stopping 23 of the 24-shots he faced. Former Everblades goaltender Matt Ginn suffers the loss in goal for the Gladiators, allowing four goals on 30-shots.

The Florida Everblades are back in action Friday night when they will travel to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena to take on South Division foe the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online by CLICKING HEREUpcoming Everblades Home Games

Friday, March 25 vs. Greenville, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat FREE in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree!

Saturday, March 26 vs. Greenville, 7:00 p.m. – Guns N' Hoses night. It's a hockey double-header as local police and fire fighters battle it out on the ice at 5:15 p.m. Then at 7:00 p.m. the Everblades will wear special Guns N' Hoses themed jerseys which will be auctioned off following the game. A ticket to the Everblades game gets you into the Guns N' Hoses game for free.  Pregame tailgate party featuring live music, bounce houses and face painting begins at 5:00 p.m.

Ticket InformationGame 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.comDiscounted 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:  Flexible partial season ticket plans are available to help 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###