'Blades Bounce Back with 5-1 Win Over Swamp Rabbits

Written by Keaton Hanley

ESTERO, FL -- John McCarron recorded his third career hat trick and added an assist to propel the Florida Everblades (31-9-1-4, 67 pts) to a 5-1 victory over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (20-23-3-1, 44 pts) Saturday night at Germain Arena.

BOX SCORE

John McCarron opened the scoring for the Blades extending his scoring streak to five games with a wraparound goal that he squeezed past goaltender Ty Rimmer’s leg on the post just 4:08 into the first period of play.

The ‘Blades continued their assault following McCarron’s goal and were all over the Swamp Rabbits for the next five minutes. The Blades were able to set up in the Greenville end and get off a few dangerous scoring opportunities from Justin Kea and Matt Berry, but the Blades just weren’t able to jam one home.

Later in the first, the ‘Blades found themselves shorthanded after an interference penalty by Kyle Neuber. However, this didn’t faze the red-hot McCarron who was spring-boarded on a pass from Justin Kea and dashed into the zone and fired a laser of a wrist shot by Rimmer. McCarron’s second goal of the game, the Blades extended their lead to 2-0 before heading into the intermission.

McCarron wasn’t finished as the Blades found themselves on a power play at the start of the second. McCarron was able to station himself in front of Rimmer and deflect a pass from Stephen MacAulay through Rimmer’s five-hole to give him the natural hat trick.

Just under a minute later, the Blades added their fourth goal of the game, but this time it came from Brett Bulmer who planted himself outside the crease. Bulmer received a no-look pass on the backhand from Kyle Neuber and wasted little time beating Rimmer to make it a 4-0 game.

The Swamp Rabbits were able to end Callum Booth’s bid at a shutout with just 4:23 remaining in the second period, as Joe Basaraba scored his second in as many nights off an odd angle shot from the goal line sneaking it past Booth to make it a 4-1 game late in the period.

That would do it for the second period as the Blades took the lead into the second intermission up 4-1.

The ‘Blades added their fifth goal of the game at 9:04 when Matt Mackenzie fired a shot from the point and Matt Berry was able to deflect it perfectly past Rimmer.  The goal for Berry was his second in as many games.

Rookie goaltender Callum Booth picked up his 14th win of the season corralling 26 of 27 shots, while Rimmer takes the loss allowing five goals on 40 shots.

The Everblades will now get set for a Wednesday affair at Orlando beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Fans can catch the game on WJBX (101.3 FM, 104.5 FM, 770-AM), or online by CLICKING HERE

Upcoming Home GamesFriday,  February 9, vs. Allen, 7:30 p.m.  Kids eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entrée. Bottomless all-you-can-eat popcorn is also available tonight!  Both of these offers are good for every Friday game for the remainder of the regular season! The team will wear special pink jerseys for Pink in the Rink Weekend!

Saturday,  February 10, vs. Allen, 7:00 p.m. Pink in the Rink, presented by Radiology Regional Center continues as the team will wear the special pink jerseys.  The jerseys will be auctioned off following the game to benefit local cancer charities.  Also from 5-7 p.m., join us for the pregame tailgate party 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###