Lerg's 37 Saves Stymies Everblades 3-2

Game Recap By Written Bryce Wright

ESTERO, FL- Scott Czarnowczan scored a goal and an assist, while Jeff Lerg stopped 37 out of 39 shots on goal to lead the Toledo Walleye to the 3-2 victory over the Florida Everblades Wednesday night at Germain Arena.

The Walleye jumped on the scoreboard first 8:20 into the opening period. Tyler Sikura crashed into the net from the right wing side cutting left in front of the net and flipped it up and over Anthony Peters to give the Walleye the lead 1-0 over the Blades.

In the second frame it was an offensive show, as the Blades and Walleye traded goals to tie the game up at two.

1:46 into the second period Corey Cowick led the charge into the Walleye offensive zone giving it to Jon DiSalvatore on the right side, DiSalvatore then passed it right back to Cowick in the slot and he wristed one past Jeff Lerg tying the game up 1-1.

Four minutes later, the Walleye went up on a power play, Scott Czarnowczan riffled a shot toward the net from the top of the point; A.J. Jenks was screening in front of Peters and tipped the puck into the net giving the Walleye the lead 2-1.

Just past the halfway point in the second, Matt Willows found a wide open goal after picking up the puck off a blocked Logan Roe shot. Willows was in the right place at the right time coming from the right wing circle toward the net when the puck found its way to him tying the game up 2-2 heading into the third.

6:26 into the third the Walleye made a push at the Blades’ net, Peters managed to bloke two shots from the Walleye but a bouncing puck found its way to Scott Czarnowczan who broke the tie as he blasted a wrist shot from the left wing circle past Peters giving the Walleye the victory 3-2.

One minute left in the game the Everblades pulled Peters to go up an extra attacker however, Lerg and the Walleye defense were too much to handle as the Blades failed to get the tying goal.

Jeff Lerg put forth a stellar effort as he earned the win stopping 37 out of 39 shots, while Anthony Peters takes the loss allowing three goals on 26 shots.

The 'Blades and Walleye will face off again Friday March 4. Game time is set at 7:30 p.m. at Germain Arena.Upcoming Everblades Home Games

Friday, March 4 vs. Toledo, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub w/ purchase of adult entrée!

Saturday, March 5 vs. Toledo, 7:00 p.m. – Youth Hockey / Junior Everblades Night! Pregame tailgate party featuring live music, bounces houses and face painting begins at 5:00 p.m.

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 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:  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###