O'Donnell Ties Club Record in 5-1 Win Over Orlando

Game Recap By Bryce Wright

ESTERO, FL- Brendan O’Donnell scored a goal in his ninth straight game to tie a club record and helping the Florida Everblades defeat the Orlando Solar Bears 5-1 Saturday night at Germain Arena.

In the first period of play the Everblades came out and set the tone early, out shooting the Solar Bears 10-2 and also witnessing a team record tying performance by Brendan O’Donnell.

Just 4:17 into the game the Everblades jumped out in front 1-0 on a power play goal by Brendan O’Donnell. O’Donnell scored from the left wing side, deking to the right then back to the left and flipped the puck top shelf over the shoulder of Rob Madore for his ninth straight game with a goal, tying an Everblades record set by Keith Anderson back in 2003.

Then with six minutes remaining in the period the Everblades extended their lead to 2-0 on another power play when Matt Marquardt ripped a one-timer into the net from the top of the right wing circle.

The ‘Blades and Solar Bears bunkered down on defense during the second period and limited scoring chances.

Then with less than a minute to play in the period, the Solar Bears went up an attacker on a power play with Rylan Schwartz scoring his 23rd goal of the year on a wristed shot from the high slot cutting the Everblades lead 2-1 heading into the third period.

In the third period it was all Everblades, scoring three unanswered goals.

7:20 into the final period of play Brant Harris scored on a shorthanded goal.  Brendan O’Donnell stole the puck from the Solar Bears, charged into the zone on the left wing side and passed the puck to Harris in the middle of the ice who put in top shelf past Madore extending the ‘Blades lead 3-1.

One minute later, Ralph Cuddemi scored his first goal of his professional career, when Kevin Lynch held the puck heading into the offensive zone, waited to make the pass from behind the net to Cuddemi who slapped it in the net from right in front giving the Blades the 4-1 lead.

Just past the halfway point, Cuddemi scored his second goal of the night when he raced into the offensive zone on a breakaway, deked to the weak hand left side and backhanded it into the net giving the ‘Blades the 5-1 win.

Rasmus Tirronen earned the victory tonight stopping 17 out of 18 shots on net, while Rob Madore takes home the loss giving up five goals on 30 shots.

The Everblades are heading to the first round of the playoffs where they will face off against the Wheeling Nailers on Friday April 15. Game time is set at 7:30 p.m at Germain Arena. Full series schedule listed below.

2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs - Eastern Conference Quarterfinals #4 Florida Everblades vs. #5 Wheeling Nailers(Best-of-Seven Series) Game 1:  Friday, April 15, Wheeling at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m. Game 2: Saturday, April 16, Wheeling at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:00 p.m. Game 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, Germian Arena, 7:30 p.m.**Game 7:  Wednesday, April 27, Wheeling at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m.**** If Necessary

Ticket Information

Playoff 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###