Gladiators Rally to Conquer Everblades 6-4

Game Recap  By Bryce Wright

ESTERO, FL- Derek Nesbitt scored two goals and an assist to lead the Atlanta Gladiators to the 6-4 victory over the Florida Everblades Friday night at Germain Arena. The Gladiators snap a four-game winning streak by the Everblades.

The Everblades jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period scoring the first tally at 5:24 into the first period on a power play opportunity.  Matt Marquardt’s one-timer from the right wing circle gave the Everblades the 1-0 lead.

Right before the halfway point of the opening period Jon DiSalvatore blasted a shot on goal where it was batted in front by Corey Cowick past Matt Ginn giving the Everblades the 2-0 lead.Three minutes later, Derek Nesbitt riffled a shot past Rasmus Tirronen from the right wing circle cutting the ‘Blades lead to one heading into the second period.

Just three minutes into the middle frame as the Everblades went back on the power play.  Matt Willows recovered a Gladiator turnover and delivered a slap-pass to Brendan O’Donnell who nudged it past the outstretched leg of Ginn stretching the Everblades lead to 3-1.

Halfway through the second, Eric Neiley charged into the Blades’ offensive zone, slapped a shot just above the crease. Tirronen made the initial save, but somehow Neiley who was sliding on his belly slipped the puck between the legs of Tirronen on the second effort to cut the Blades lead back to one.

With five minutes remaining in the period, Mike Merrifield went one-on-one with Tirronen as he broke away from the Everblades defense. Merrifield angled from the right and squeezed the puck past the goal line to tie the game up 3-3.

The Gladiators went on a power play with one minute remaining in the second, and after three consecutive shots on net, Thomas Frazee put the Gladiators up 4-3 with a shot from the high slot heading into the third period.

The Everblades managed to tie the game back up at 2:27 into the third period when Matt Willows made a nice deke move in front of the net faking out Ginn to tie the game up at four.

With seven minutes remaining in regulation,  Jimmy Murray raced past the Everblades defense and then shook out Tirronen with a deke to the backhand and lifting a shot high into the net to give the Gladiators the lead 5-4.

In the final minute,  the Everblades pulled Tirronen to add the extra attacker, however it was not enough as Derek Nesbitt scored his second goal of the night with 16 seconds remaining as he outpaced the Blades’ defense to put the puck into the empty net giving the Gladiators the 6-4 victory.

Matt Ginn earned the win stopping 28 out of 32 shots on goal, while Tirronen takes the loss allowing five goals on 25 shots.

The Everblades and Gladiators are back at it again Saturday April 2. Game time is set at 7:00 p.m. at Germain Arena.  Promotional details listed below.

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

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

• The first 1,000 fans will receive FREE lightsabers!
• The first 200 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.

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###