'Blades Come up Short in 3-2 Shootout Loss to Gladiators

Written by Keaton Hanley 

ESTERO, FL – Derek Nesbitt scored the lone goal in the overtime shootout to lift the Atlanta Gladiators to a 3-2 victory over the Florida Everblades Saturday at Germain Arena.  Despite the loss, Florida (32-9-2-3, 69 pts) picks up a point and extends its unbeaten streak to seven games (5-0-1-1).

The Gladiators would be the first and only team to get on the board in a back and forth first period of play.  Justin Buzzeo registered the Gladiators lone goal when he was able to deflect a shot from the point from Nick Trecapelli,  which caught Florida goaltender Daniel Altshuller by surprise and giving the Gladiators a one goal lead.

The Blades tied things up in the second period on a nice play by Matt Berry as he and three others entered the offensive zone. Berry made a toe drag move through the right side faceoff dot before sniping one by Matt Ginn’s glove side. The rest of the period proved to be much like the first as both goaltenders came up with numerous big saves to keep the game tied at one.

The Blades took the lead a little over seven minutes into the third period, when they broke into the zone on a 3-on-1 rush trying to take advantage of a poor line change by Atlanta.   Berry added his second of the night after a pass from Matt Hatch who found him alone in the slot.  Berry delivered a quick and low shot past Ginn to pull Florida out in front 2-1.

Former Everblade Rory Rawlyk tied the game at two not long after. Mark Naclerio delivered a pass across the ice to Roy Rawlyk who sneaked in  behind the defense and angled a shot behind  Altshuller.

This game would go to overtime and the Blades’ had numerous chances to end it on the power play, but came up empty handed. The horn sounded in overtime with both teams unable to seal the game forcing the shootout.

Derek Nesbitt scored the lone goal in the shootout to lift he Gladiators to the 3-2 shootout win.

BOX SCORE

The Everblades will now play host to the Orlando Solar Bears on Wednesday at Germain Arena.  Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.Upcoming Home Games & PromotionsWednesday, February, 15 vs. Orlando, 7:30 p.m. – $2 Wednesday!  Fans can enjoy $2 draft beers, $2 wines and $2 hot dogs all night long!  College students receive a $5 ticket with 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.comSpecial 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.  We offer several tickets packages designed to help fit your budget and scheduleDiscounted 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###