Ferrantino's Overtime Goal Lifts 'Blades to 2-1 Win at Greenville

Written by Robert Molnar

GREENVILLE, SC – Mike Ferrantino scored the game-winning goal 1:31 into overtime to lead the Florida Everblades (9-0-1-0, 19 pts) to a 2-1 victory over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (3-2-2-0, 8 pts) Saturday night at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The result keeps the ‘Blades unbeaten in regulation this season.

Despite being on the wrong side of the game’s opening chances, it would be the Everblades that managed to strike first as they took a 1-0 lead with just over a minute remaining in the first period.

Coming off the bench late in the opening period, Brendan O’Donnell headed straight into the attacking zone. Getting to the high slot, O’Donnell took a centering feed from Michael Kirkpatrick and fired a quick wrist shot that managed to beat Greenville netminder Jeff Malcolm.

As the teams entered the second period, the Swamp Rabbits started strong. As Greenville began to build some momentum off of some solid goal scoring chances, Trevor Gerling managed to tie the game up thanks to some great decision making on his part. Receiving the puck at the left wing circle, Gerling waited for the traffic to clear in front of goal. Spotting an opening, Gerling flung the puck towards goal and watched as it slipped right by Daniel Altshuller.

Entering the third period of play, both teams looked for that key go-ahead goal. With a couple of penalties midway through the period, it looked as if Greenville might have been the team to break the deadlock. However, some great saves by Daniel Altshuller including a tremendous sprawling stop with members of both teams gathered around the crease kept the score tied at 1-1.

Not to be outdone, Greenville goaltender Jeff Malcolm was equally stunning throughout the third period. Earning an odd-man rush following the end of a 4-on-4 series, the ‘Blades quickly moved into the attacking zone. Stopping the initial shot from Matt Berry, Malcolm also saved the backhanded rebound attempt from John McCarron in what was the ‘Blades two best scoring chances of the third period.

Despite some chances for both sides late in the period, neither could find that go-ahead goal, sending the game to a five-minute, 3-on-3 sudden death overtime period.

Some early chances for both teams were denied by both goaltenders with neither wanting to allow the game-winner. Finally, midway through the overtime period, the ‘Blades found the breakthrough goal they needed. Rushing into the attacking zone, Mike Ferrantino got to the high slot and wristed a rocket of a shot high into the top corner to deliver the 2-1 win for the Everblades.

Daniel Altshuller was absolutely stunning in goal for the ‘Blades, earning the win after stopping 26 of the 27-shots he faced. Jeff Malcolm was equally stellar in goal for the Swamp Rabbits, but suffers the loss after allowing two-goals on 35-shots faced.

The Florida Everblades finish off their week long road trip tomorrow afternoon with a second consecutive game against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Eastern time.Upcoming Everblades Home Games & PromotionsFriday, November 18 vs. Greenville, 7:30 p.m. – Harry Potter Night!  Harry Potter themed music, activities and videos throughout the night!  Come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character.   Kids also eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of adult entree.

Saturday, November 19 vs. Missouri, 7:00 p.m. – Swampee's Birthday!  Joins us for Swampee's birthday with all of his mascot friends!  Join us from 5-7p.m. for the pregame tailgate featuring live music and bounce houses for the kids!  The first 500 fans will receive free ice cream courtesy of Molly Moos!

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.com2016-17 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.Special Offer!  Purchase any new ticket package for the 2016-17 season, and receive a $20 gift card from Ford's Garage!  Locations include Cape Coral, Downtown Fort Myers and Miromar Outlets in Estero.Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and you ma also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.

 This release Courtesy of Fort Myers Technical College & Cape Coral Technical College

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes###