Everblades Edge Gladiators in Game Two with 3-2 Win

ESTERO, FL – Steven Lorentz and Michael Kirkpatrick each posted two points to lead the Florida Everblades in a tightly contested 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Gladiators in Game Two of the South Division Semifinals on Tuesday night at Germain Arena.

BOX SCORE

Watch the Game Highlights

The Blades got on the board first with 1:04 to play in the opening period on a goal by Steven Lorentz. Lorentz drifted to the slot with the puck and fired it through traffic and eventually through the five-hole of Atlanta goaltender Dan Vladar.  The puck squeaked through the wickets and trickled over the goal line to give the Blades a 1-0 lead heading into the first break.

Things got physical late in the second period as a few scrums, words and a scrap featuring Mitchell Heard and Tanner Pond took place to up the intensity.

However, the Blades added to their lead with 35.3 seconds to play in the middle frame. Michael Kirkpatrick and Joe Cox caught the Gladiators on a change and rushed in on a 2-on-1.  Kirkpatrick fired a shot off of Vladar’s left pad for a juicy rebound that came right to Zack Kamrass who had rushed in behind the play. Kamrass took no time at all to crank it past the outstretched Vladar for the tally.

With the goal, the Blades extended their lead to 2-0 as they entered the second intermission.

The Gladiators cut the lead to 2-1 just 1:58 into the third. On a delayed penalty, the Gladiators entered the Florida zone and Phil Lane sent a pass low in the right circle to Derek Nesbitt who was able to beat Ouellette on the far side net.

Michael Kirkpatrick extended the Blades lead to 3-1 with 2:06 to player. Joe Cox and Kirkpatrick broke into the zone on a 2-on-1.  Cox skated into the right circle before he sent a perfect pass to Kirkpatrick om the opposite wing. Kirkpatrick took the puck to his backhand as Vladar extended his pad, and swing his shot just enough for the goal.

Trailing by two, the Gladiators pulled Vladar with a little under two minutes to play and got one back on a one-timer blast from Ben Danford with 21 seconds to play.  However,  it wasn’t enough, as the Blades were able to grind out the final 21 seconds to take the game by a 3-2 score.

Martin Ouellette stood tall in net for the Blades as he stopped 27 of the 29 shots fired his way.  Vladar once again put forth a solid outing allowing three goals on 29 shots faced.

The series will now shift to Duluth, Georgia for Game Three on Thursday.  Game time is set for 7:35 p.m.  Fans can catch the game broadcast on WJBX (101.5 FM, 104.3 FM, 770-AM), or online by CLICKING HERE.  Fans may also watch the game online at ECHL.TV

2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs Schedule - South Division Semfinals 

(#1) Florida Everblades vs. (#4) Atlanta Gladiators (Florida leads the best-of-seven series 2-0)Game 1:  Monday, April 16th – Atlanta - 1 at FLORIDA - 4Game 2:  Tuesday, April 17th – Atlanta - 2 at FLORIDA - 3 Game 3:  Thursday, April 19th – 7:35pm, Infinite Energy ArenaGame 4:  Friday, April 20th – 7:35pm, Infinite Energy ArenaGame 5:  Sunday, April 22nd – 2:05pm, Infinite Energy Arena  (If necessary)Game 6: Tuesday, April 24th – 7:30pm – Germain Arena (If necessary)Game 7:  Wednesday, April 25th – 7:30pm – Germain Arena (If necessary)

Ticket Information

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

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.

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

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