'Blades Cap Comeback with 4-3 Overtime Victory

Written by Robert Molnar

ORLANDO, FL – Michael Kirkpatrick scored the game-winning goal 2:20 into overtime to lead the Florida Everblades (7-1-0-0, 14 pts) to a 4-3 come from behind victory over the rival Orlando Solar Bears (2-3-1-0, 5 pts) Wednesday night at the Amway Center. The result gives ‘Blades a two points to one lead in the battle for the Wawa Sunshine Cup.

BOX SCORE

Dominating much of the early part of the contest, the Everblades eventually scored the game’s opening goal as Stephen MacAulay buried a right place, right time opportunity midway through the first period. Getting the puck high in the attacking zone, Gus Young ripped a shot into some traffic in front of goal.  MacAulay found himself with the puck and quickly backhanded the puck behind the back of Orlando goaltender Cal Heeter.

The lead did not last long however. Following a cycle of penalties that would see three Everblades sent to the box, Orlando would take advantage, using a five-on-three power play to their advantage. The Solar Bears cycled the puck around in the attacking zone. After a few close chances, Orlando would finally cash in as Jeff King blasted a one-time effort from the blue line and past Florida goaltender Callum Booth.

Orlando took a 2-1 lead on another power play strike with less than two-minutes remaining in the opening frame. Orlando blasted a barrage of shots on goals and forced a loose puck scramble at the front of the goal.  The puck was finally shoved into the open net by Chris LeBlanc to give the Solar Bears a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

In the second period, Orlando continued in its great attacking effort. Registering shot after shot early in the period, it seemed like it would only be a matter of time before Orlando would add to their lead. However, thanks to some great goaltending from Callum Booth, no such goal came.  The teams ended the second period the same way it started with Orlando holding a 2-1 lead.

In the third, the ‘Blades knew they needed to score a quick goal in order to tie this game. Just over five-minutes into the period, Kyle Neuber would do just that, tying the game at 2-2. After a scramble in front, Neuber gained control of a rebound in between the circles. Wristing the follow up chance at goal, Neuber flipped his shot over the glove of Cal Heeter and into the corner of the net.

Unfortunately for the Everblades, the short boost in momentum did not last long, as moments later Orlando prevented Florida from clearing their own zone. With the ‘Blades tiring, Chris Crane sent a crisp pass to Nolan Valleau at the blue line. Valleau stepped into his shot and blasted a slapper through traffic and past Callum Booth to give Orlando a 3-2 lead.

Gaining a power play late in the contest, the ‘Blades would pull the goaltender to earn a two-man advantage against the Solar Bears.

This move paid immediate dividends for the ‘Blades as Mitchell Heard slammed home a second chance opportunity to tie the game at 3-3 with just 46-seconds remaining in the contest. With neither team able to find a game-winning goal late in regulation, the contest headed to overtime.

Heading into overtime, the sudden death period went back and forth for much of the first two minutes. However, at the 2:20 mark of overtime, the ‘Blades would complete their comeback win as Michael Kirkpatrick buried an absolute rocket of a shot past Cal Heeter to give the ‘Blades the 4-3 win in overtime.

Callum Booth had some bounces go against him but played well in goal for the Everblades, earning the win after stopping 21 of the 24 shots he faced. Cal Heeter also played well in goal for Orlando but suffers the overtime loss after allowing four goals on 32 shots.

Returning to the ice Saturday night, the Everblades will complete their short two-game road trip as they once again take on the Wawa Sunshine Cup rival Orlando Solar Bears. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 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 HERE. Fans can also watch the game online at ECHL.TVUpcoming Home Games

Wednesday, November 8, vs. Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.  $2 Wednesday!  Fans can enjoy $2 hot dogs, $2 beer and $2 wine all night long!  College students receive a $5 tickets with valid college ID.

Friday, November 10, vs. Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.  Swampee's Birthday! Bring the kids to help celebrate with his mascot friends!  Kids also eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pubwith the purchase of an adult entree (This promo good for every Friday game this season!)  

Saturday, November 11, vs. Cincinnati, 7:00 p.m.  Military Night!  The team will wear special Military Jerseys which will be auctioned to benefit the National Coalition for Patriots.

Ticket Information

2017-18 Ticket Packages are Currently on Sale!  We offer full season and flexible partial plans that will best fit your schedule and budget!  To view pricing and benefits of all available ticket packages CLICK HERE

SPECIAL OFFER! Purchase a new ticket package for the 2017-18 season and receive a $20 gift card to Ford's Garage!

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price!  Group tickets are available for all home games. Fundraising opportunities are also available. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades offices at Germain Arena Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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