Tough Third Period Sinks Everblades in Greenville

Written by Robert Molnar

GREENVILLE, SC – Justin DaSilva scored the game-winning goal with exactly one minute remaining in regulation to lead the the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (28-18-4-1, 61 pts) to a 5-4 come from behind victory over the Florida Everblades (33-10-2-3, 71 pts) Saturday night at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Greenville wins it fifth straight game and snaps an eight-game unbeaten streak by the ‘Blades.

Despite being on the opposite end of some of the game’s early scoring chances, the Florida Everblades would take the first lead of the contest off some extremely hard work down deep in the Greenville zone. Denying Mike Ferrantino on two point blank chances near the net, the Swamp Rabbits attempted to clear the zone. Picking up this attempted clear at the right wing crease, Chase Golightly ripped his shot through traffic and into the back of the net.

A few minutes later, the Swamp Rabbits missed out on a golden opportunity to tie the game. Picking up the puck on this missed opportunity, the Everblades quickly transitioned from offense to defense. Matt Hatch raced into the zone and fired a shot that was initially stopped by Greenville goaltender Mackenzie Skapski.  Matt Berry quickly picked up the rebound and slammed home his second chance opportunity.

Three minutes later Greenville showed some fight back and cut the Florida lead in half off a nicely setup play inside the Florida zone. After Winning the faceoff, Ahti Okanen sent the puck back to Tristan King. Quickly moving the puck, King sent the puck across to Troy Donnay who fired a wicked shot from the point past Anthony Peters.

Early in the second period, the Everblades wasted little time in taking an advantage as they jumped out to a 3-1 lead. Moving down towards the right wing corner, Stephen MacAuley sent a drop pass back to the faceoff circle. Picking up the puck near the faceoff dot, Mike Ferrantino immediately snapped his shot past the glove of Mackenzie Skapski.

However, the Everblades could not shake the pesky Swamp Rabbits. Earning a power play chance of their own midway through the second period, Greenville again cut the Florida lead in half on a shot from the blue line. Matt Prapavessis sent the puck to the blue line where it was picked up by Spiro Goulakos. S Goulakos delivered a snapshot clipped over the shoulder of Anthony Peters and into the top corner of the net.

As the third period got underway, Greenville earned a power play attempt and looked dead set at tying the game. However, some amazing saves from Anthony Peters would keep the Swamp Rabbits at bay long enough for the Everblades to force a turnover and earn their 12th shorthanded goal of the season.

Moving back into the Everblades zone following a clearing attempt, the Swamp Rabbits were forced into a turnover as John McCarron stepped into the passing lane and claimed the puck. McCarron raced into the zone and stepped into his shot and blasted the puck right past Mackenzie Skapski for the shorthanded goal.

Refusing to go away once again, the Swamp Rabbits wasted no time in once again cutting the Everblades lead to just one. Still on the Power Play following the ‘Blades shorthanded goal, Greenville took advantage of the man advantage less than a minute later to keep them in this game. Greenville’s Joe Houk fired a shot from the point through traffic which deflected off the stick of Brett Cameron and right past Anthony Peters.

Greenville began to feed off momentum and finally found a way to tie game taking advantage of multiple failed clearance attempts from Florida.  Angelo Miceli moved his way through the right wing circle. One-on-one with Anthony Peters, Miceli wristed a quick shot into the back of the net.

The Swamp Rabbits managed to take their first lead of the game with exactly one minute to go in the contest. Brett Cameron managed to get the puck up to Justin DaSilva at the point.  DaSilva delivered a shot towards the goal that blasted by Anthony Peters for the goal.

Despite pulling the goaltender following Greenville’s goal, the Everblades could not find a way to tie the contest. With the clock hitting all zeros, the Everblades suffered the 5-4 loss.

Mackenzie Skapski played well in goal for the Swamp Rabbits, earning the win after stopping 26 of the 30 shots he faced. Anthony Peters made some amazing saves throughout the contest but suffers the loss after allowing five goals on 37 shots.

Returning to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena tomorrow afternoon, the Florida Everblades will once again faceoff against the rival Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can also catch the game broadcast on WJBX News, Talk & More on 101.5-FM.104.3-FM, 770-AM or by CLICKING HEREUpcoming Home Games & PromotionsFriday, March 3 vs. Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the Purchase of an Adult Entree.

Saturday, March 4 vs. Atlanta, 7:00 p.m. – From 5-7 pm. join us for the tailgate featuring live music and bounce houses for the kids.

Wednesday, March 8 vs. Utah, 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 schedule.

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###