MacAulay's Overtime Goal Nets Florida a 3-2 Win Over Orlando

Written by Robert Molnar

ORLANDO, FL – Stephen MacAulay scored the game-winning goal midway through overtime to lead the Florida Everblades (29-6-1-2, 61 pts) to a 3-2 overtime victory over the rival Orlando Solar Bears (17-17-5-1, 40 pts) Saturday night at the Amway Center. The Everblades now have a 12 points to four lead in the battle for the Wawa Sunshine Cup.

Stephen MacAulay sent the puck up to Clark Seymour at the center point. Seymour ripped his shot past the blocker of Orlando goaltender Cal Heeter and into the net.

John McCarron gave the ‘Blades a 2-0 lead off of a great individual effort. Picking up the loose puck in the neutral zone, McCarron moved quickly to get into the attacking zone. From the right wing circle McCarron flicked his wrist shot top shelf past the glove of Cal Heeter.

Orlando would eventually get themselves on the board, taking advantage of a power play opportunity to make the score 2-1. Orlando saw its first few chances stopped by Everblades goaltender Martin Ouellette. However, Chris Crane managed to flip his rebound chance past a diving Ouellette and into the net.

Following a scoreless second period, both teams entered the third period looking to put their mark on the contest as the next goal would be huge in determining the outcome of this game, both teams attempted to find that game-changing goal.

Chris Crane netted his second goal of the night for Orlando, tying the game at 2-2. Once again capitalizing on a second chance opportunity, Crane managed to somehow corral a rebound along the left side of the crease. Left alone, Crane easily buried his shot past a sprawling Martin Ouellette.

With neither team able to find a go-ahead goal in the final minutes of the period, the game proceeded to overtime.

Following some back and forth action to begin overtime, Stephen MacAulay would take over, scoring the game-winning goal to earn the ‘Blades a 3-2 win. Transitioning from defense to offense, Nelson Armstrong brought the puck into the attacking zone before finding MacAulay on the front door.  MacAulay performed a deke move and slid his shot through the five-hole and into the back of the net.

Martin Ouellette was outstanding in goal for the Everblades, earning the win after stopping 35 of the 37 shots he faced. Cal Heeter also played extremely well in goal for Orlando but does suffer the loss after allowing three goals on 31 shots.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday afternoon at the Amway Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:30 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.TV

Upcoming Home Games

Friday,  February 2, vs. Greenville, 7:30 p.m.  For every Friday night game this season, kids eat FREE in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree!

Saturday  February 3, vs. Greenville, 7:00 p.m. From 5-7 p.m., join us for the pregame tailgate part featuring live music and bounces houses for the kids!

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!  Flexible partial plans are available. These packages 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###