Everblades Clinch Playoff Spot With 5-3 Win Over Greenville

ESTERO, FL -- Matt Marquardt scored the game-winning goal and added an assist while Chase Golightly scored his first professional goal to lead the Florida Everblades (42-21-0-2, 86 pts) to a 5-3 victory over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (28-29-8-1, 65 pts) in front of a soldout crowd of 7,546 at Germain Arena Saturday night.

Much like Friday night's game between the two teams, Greenville got on the board first, taking the opening lead just 3:03 into the opening period. Getting the puck into the Everblades zone, an initial shot from Scott Fleming was stopped by 'Bladed goaltender Rasmus Tirronen. However, allowing the rebound, the puck bounced back towards Josh Nicholls whose quick shot beat Tirronen.

From that point on, the rest of the first period belonged to the 'Blades. Getting into the attacking zone, Matt Willows headed down the right wing wall. Finding Brendan O'Donnell alone at the backside post, O'Donnell buried his quick shot into the open net to tie the game.

Continuing to build their momentum, the 'Blades took the lead 12:08 into the opening period. Getting a 2-on-1 rush, Kevin Lynch took the puck down through the right wing circle. Moving in, Lynch fired a wrist shot low past the right pad of Greenville goaltender Mackenzie Skapski to put the 'Blades up 2-1.

Continuing to push, the Everblades doubled their lead late in the first period thanks to a great team effort in the attacking zone. Intercepting the clear attempt, Gabriel Desjardins found Jon DiSalvatore alone in the slot. Moving towards the net, DiSalvatore fired a quick shot into the top corner of the net.

Getting a goal back, Greenville opened the second periods scoring early, cutting the Everblades' lead in half just 42-seconds into the middle frame. Getting the puck to the right wing point, Jack Combs found Scott Fleming alone at the front door. Flicking the arriving puck forward, Fleming tapped his shot past Rasmus Tirronen.

Continuing to gain opportunities in the offensive zone, the Swamp Rabbits took advantage, tying the game late in the second period. Moving behind the 'Blades net, Josh Nicholls moved along the back wall. Finding Scott Fleming alone at the left side crease, Fleming managed to find a gap between Rasmus Tirronen and the near post, tying the game 3-3.

Entering the third period, both teams attempted to break the deadlock. Taking advantage of a power play opportunity midway through the third period. Holding the puck in the attacking zone, Chase Golightly got the puck at the point. Sending the puck across to the right wing circle, captain Matt Marquardt fired a one-timer that zipped it's way into the back of the net.

Going back-to-back, the Everblades extended their lead, scoring on the powet play just over two minutes after the previous power play goal. Picking up the puck at the left wing point, Chase Golightly moved towards the top of the slot and fired a wrist shot through traffic and past Mackenzie Skapski for his first ever professional goal.

Rasmus Tirronen was solid in goal for the Everblades, earning the win in goal after stopping 21 of the 24–shots he faced. Mackenzie Skapski takes the loss in goal for the Swamp Rabbits after allowing five goals on 34-shots.

The Florida Everblades head on the road for a single game this Wednesday night to take on in-state rivals Orlando Solar Bears. 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 Home Games

Friday, April 1 vs. Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. – Kids Eat Free in the Breakaway sports pub with the purchase of an adult Entree! 

Saturday, April 2 vs. Atlanta, 7:00 p.m. – Star Wars Night! 

• The first 1,000 fans will receive FREE lightsabers!
• The first 100 fans will receive a FREE movie ticket to Paragon Theaters
• FREE popcorn for everyone from 6-7:00 p.m.
• Join us for a pregame ceremony prior to the game as we honor two of our own as Craig Brush & Peter Karmanos Jr. and will recognized for their Hall of Fame inductions this year!
• Following the game, Everblades Defenseman Rob Florentino will cut his long hair to benefit Wigs for 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:  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###