'Blades Rally In the Third to Defeat Admirals 4-3

NORFOLK, VA – The Florida Everblades scored three unanswered goals in the third period to rally from a two-goal deficit to earn a 4-3 victory over the Norfolk Admirals on Wednesday evening.  Florida collects its fifth consecutive victory in the first of a six-game road trip.

After a scoreless first period, it took the Everblades just 16 seconds into the middle frame to take a 1-0 lead.  Michael Kirkpatrick broke in on goal on a breakaway opportunity and wristed a shot over the shoulder of Norfolk netminder Ty Reichenbach for the tally.

Norfolk evened the score on a penalty shot at 13:41 of the period.  Darik Angeli slipped his attempt right through the five-hole of Florida goaltender Callum Booth for his seventh goal of the season.

The Admirals grabbed the lead just five minutes later, when Kenton Helgesen scored off a rebound that he collected on the backside of the crease to give his team a 2-1 edge. Norfolk took the lead into the second break despite being outshot 23-10 in the second period.

The Admirals extended their lead at 7:56 of the third on a successful wraparound attempt by Grant Besse.  Besse managed to slip the puck through Booth’s skate and the post to put the game at 3-1.

Florida needed a spark, and they received one just 14 seconds later.  Brett Bulmer carried the puck to the left wing circle and directed a shot past the glove of Reichenbach and into the opposite corner of the net to pull the ‘Blades within one.

Stephen MacAulay netted the equalizer five minutes later following a shot by Nelson Armstrong.  Armstrong hammered a one-timer from the right wing circle that was initially stopped by Reichenbach.  However, the rebound bounced directly to MacAulay just above the crease and he shoved the puck into the net for the tying marker.

Less than three minutes later, a pair of rookies connected as Stephen Lorentz chased after the puck in the goaltender’s box behind the net.  Lorentz flipped a no-look pass to the top of the crease that was flexed into the back of the net by fellow rookie Joe Cox for the go-ahead  goal.

In the closing seconds, of the game a wild scramble ensued in front of the Everblades net, but Booth made two big saves to preserve the 4-3 victory for the Everblades.

Booth earns the win allowing three goals on 28 shots, while Reichenbach’s stellar outing was spoiled with a loss despite making 43 saves on 47 shots faced.

The two teams will meet again on Friday at the Norfolk Scope beginning at 7:00 p.m. Fans can catch the game on WJBX (101.5 FM, 104.3 FM, 770AM) or online by CLICKING HERE.  Fans may also watch the game online at ECHL.TV Upcoming Home Games

Friday,  December 8, vs. Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m.  Kids eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree.

Saturday,  December 9, vs. Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m.  The Annual IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss!  It is one of the biggest games of the season.  Fans are encouraged to bring a new teddy bear or stuffed animal to the game to throw out onto the ice when the Everblades score their first goal.  All of the teddy bears will be rounded up and distributed to local children's charities for the holidays!

Ticket Information

Purchase Single Game Tickets at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or online via Ticketmaster by CLICKING HERE

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###