Everblades Power Past Nailers to Take 2-1 Series Lead

Everblades Power Past Nailers to Take 2-1 Series LeadSpecial teams "special" as Florida scores three power goals & a shorthanded goal. 

Game Recap  by Robert Molnar / Above Photo courtesy of Zack Rawson

WHEELING, WV – Brendan O’Donnell and Kevin Lynch both scored two goals to lead the Florida Everblades to a 6-3 victory over the Wheeling Nailers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quaterfinals Wednesday night at the WesBanco Arena. The Everblades now lead the best-of-seven playoff series two games to one over the Wheeling Nailers.

Striking first, the Nailers took the game’s early lead midway through the first period thanks to a rebound in front of the Everblades’ goal. Getting the puck high in the attacking zone, Paul Cianfrini fired his shot through traffic and towards the goal. Stopping the initial chance, Everblades’ goaltender Anthony Peters allowed the rebound to take the puck right to the stick of Jordan Kwas who quickly buried his shot into the net.

Earning a power play just minutes later, the ‘Blades wasted no time evening up the score. Getting the puck along the right wing side, Ethan Werek used some nifty moves to deke around the Wheeling penalty killers. Getting to the low circle, Werek slid the puck back towards the front of goal where a waiting Danny New wristed his quick shot past Wheeling goaltender Franky Palazzese.

Taking their first lead of the game, the ‘Blades again took advantage of a power play to take a 2-1 lead less than two minutes into the second period. Getting the puck in the neutral zone, Brendan O’Donnell cut down through the middle of the attacking zone. Tapping on the breaks, O’Donnell fired a quick wrister past Palazzese.

Continuing to build momentum, the Everblades doubled their lead midway through the middle frame off of their third power play goal of the evening. Beginning to up the pressure on the Wheeling penalty kill, Chase Golightly found Kevin Lynch alone at the left wing circle. Firing the one-timer, Lynch’s shot went right through the five-hole of Palazzese. The goal also served as the end of Palazzese’s night as he replaced in goal by Brian Foster. Florida finished the game 3-for-5 on the power play.

Killing off the first penalty of a 5-on-3 penalty kill, the ‘Blades forced a Wheeling turnover and scored shorthanded to take a commanding 4-1 lead. Blocking away the puck at his own blue line, Kevin Lynch took off on a shorthanded breakaway. Moving towards the net, Lynch wristed his shot through the five-hole of the Wheeling goaltender and into the back of the net.

Getting one back just 3:41 into the third period, Wheeling took advantage of another rebound in front of the Everblades goal to cut the deficit down to two. Stopping a shot from Mathew Malone, Anthony Peters looked to have the puck controlled until Riley Brace jammed the puck loose and buried it into the net.

Though Wheeling began to gain some momentum midway through the third period, the Everblades bounced back, taking a 5-2 lead midway through the third period to snuff out any hope of a potential comeback. Getting the puck at the blue line, Justin Agosta fired a shot through traffic that was tipped multiple times before being deflected over the shoulder of Brian Foster by Brendan O’Donnell.

However, the Nailers did not go away quietly. Again getting pressure around the Everblades’ net, Wheeling made the score 5-3 with just over five minutes remaining in the third period. A shot from Riley Brace across the face of goal was met by the stick of Cody Wydo and turned past Anthony Peters for the goal.

Though Wheeling pulled their goaltender to earn an extra attacker late in the game, the move would prove to be not enough. Taking advantage of the open net, Gabriel Desjardins fired the puck down the ice and into the empty net to earn the ‘Blades a hard fought 6-3 win.

Anthony Peters made some tremendous saves throughout the contest, earning the win for the Everblades after stopping 36 of the 39 shots he faced. Brian Foster suffers the loss in goal for Wheeling, allowing two goals on 14-shots. Franky Palazzese also appeared in net for the Nailers, allowing three goals on 11-shots.

The Florida Everblades continue their playoff push in game four of this best of seven series this Friday night against the Wheeling Nailers at the WesBanco Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online by CLICKING HERE

The following is a complete schedule the of the best-of-seven series:(Florida leads 2-1)Game 1:Friday, April 15, Wheeling - 6  at Florida - 3Game 2: Saturday, April 16, Wheeling - 1 at Florida - 4Game 3:  Wednesday, April 20, Florida - 6 at Wheeling - 3Game 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.mGame 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###