Everblades Fire Back and Even Series with 4-1 Win

Game Recap  By Bryce Wright

ESTERO, FL- Ryan Martindale scored a goal and an assist leading the Florida Everblades to a 4-1 victory over the Wheeling Nailers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals Saturday night at Germain Arena.  Florida ties the best-of-seven series at 1-1.

After a scoreless first period that saw the Everblades and Nailers trade scoring opportunities back and forth the Everblades offense awoke scoring three goals in the second frame.

3:58 into the second period the Everblades jumped on the scoreboard on their first power play of the game. Ryan Martindale picked up the puck on a rebound from a Danny New shot and tapped it in the wide open net as the Everblades got their first lead of the series 1-0.

Three minutes later, Ethan Werek drifted into the Nailers offensive zone dropped back the pass to Matt Willows. Willows cruised down the slot and riffled a shot that clipped between the legs of Wheeling goaltender Franky Palazzese to extend the Everblades lead 2-0.

Just past the halfway point of the second, Jon DiSalvatore back handed the puck past Palazzese at the right wing circle giving the Everblades the 3-0 lead. DiSalvatore was in the right spot at the right time as the puck was pin-balling in front of the net before he backhanded it into the net as he was falling down.

With five minutes to play in the period, the Nailers went on the power play and Anton Zlobin found the back of net on a when he slapped the puck at the top of the crease between the legs of Peters to cut the lead to 3-1 heading into the third period.

An action-packed third period featured multiple scoring opportunities, power plays for both teams and some fights.

Florida limited Wheeling to just four shots on net in the third.  With one minute remaining in the final period, Matt Marquardt sealed the game with a one-time drive from Ryan Martindale sealing the 4-1 victory for the Everblades.

Anthony Peters earned the victory stopping 20 out of 21 shots on goal, while Franky Palazzese takes the loss allowing four goals on 39 shots on net.

The Everblades now head to Wheeling for three straight games, as Game 3 will be held on Wednesday April 20. Game time is set at 7:05.

The following is a complete schedule the of the best-of-seven series:(Series tied 1-1)Game 1:Friday, April 15, Wheeling - 6  at Florida - 3Game 2: Saturday, April 16, Wheeling - 1 at Florida - 4Game 3:  Wednesday, April 20, Florida at Wheeling, WesBanco Arena, 7:05 p.m.Game 4:  Friday, April 22, Florida at Wheeling, WesBanco Arena, 7:35 p.m.Game 5:  Saturday, April 23, Florida at Wheeling, WesBanco Arena, 7:35 p.m.**Game 6:  Monday, April 25, Wheeling at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m.**Game 7:  Wednesday, April 27, Wheeling at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m.**** If Necessary

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.

2016-17 Season Ticket Plans Now Available:  Full  and flexible partial season ticket plans are  currently available for the 2016-17 season. We offer several tickets packages designed 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###