Slow Start Dooms Everblades in 3-2 Loss to Allen

Written by Robert Molnar 

ESTERO, FL – Dyson Stevenson, Spencer Asuchak and Derek Mathers each scored a goal to lead the Allen Americans (26-15-2-1, 55 pts) to a 3-2 victory over the Florida Everblades (27-9-1-2, 57 pts) Wednesday night at Germain Arena.

Getting off to a flying start, the Allen Americans needed only 33-seconds to get the game’s first goal. Moving quickly into the Everblades zone, Harrison Ruopp got the puck near the point. Firing a quick shot on goal, the puck headed right for the stick of Dyson Stevenson. Managing to get just enough of the puck, Stevenson tipped the shot past Florida goaltender Anthony Peters.

Keeping the pressure on the Everblades, Allen doubled their lead just a few minutes later off another deflected shot. Taking advantage of a power play, Chad Costello found David Makowski alone at the point. Ripping a hard shot towards goal, the puck hit off the stick of Spencer Asuchak and looped right over Anthony Peters and into the back of the net.

Less than a minute later, the Americans extended their lead to 3-0. Pressuring deep in the Everblades zone, Anthony Peters was forced into action a couple of times, making some solid saves. However, the rebounds would eventually catch up with him. Bouncing off of Peters, the puck headed across the crease before being hammered home by Derek Mathers for the Americans third goal.

Entering the second period, the ‘Blades knew they needed to get some momentum back in this game. Earning a four-minute roughing penalty following a scuffle with some Allen players, Dalton Smith appeared to do just that. Shorthanded following the penalty, Zack Kamrass forced a turnover. Having a two-on-one chance, Kamrass called his own number, sniping his shot past the glove of Allen goaltender Jamie Murray.

As the game reached the third period, Florida continued to build some momentum. Cutting the Americans lead to just one, the ‘Blades scored their second goal off of a great play out in front from Brant Harris. Getting to the front of the net, Brendan O’Donnell sent a nice pass over to Harris. Despite seeing his initial shot stopped, Harris managed to bat the loose puck out of the air and into the net.

Pulling the goaltender with just over a minute to go in the contest, the Everblades threw everything they had at Allen. However, a strong defensive effort from the Americans kept the game in their favor as the Everblades dropped the contest by a final score of 3-2.

Jamie Murray was solid in goal for the Americans, earning the win after stopping 37 of the 39-shots he faced. Anthony Peters recovered from a rough start but takes the loss after allowing three goals on 21-shots.

BOX SCORE

Heading to North Charleston, South Carolina for a pair of games this weekend, the Florida Everblades will face off against division rivals South Carolina Stingrays in the first of two games this Friday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on WJBX News, Talk & More on 101.5-FM.104.3-FM, 770-AM or by CLICKING HEREUpcoming Home Games & PromotionsWednesday, February 1 vs. Greenville, 7:30 p.m. – Yet another $2 Wednesday! $2 Beers, Wines & Hot Dogs all night long!   College students receive a $5 ticket w/ free parking when they present their College ID at Germain Arena.

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 an Everblades jersey t-shirt and 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 may 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###