GAME DAY: Everblades at Atlanta - Jan. 31

DULUTH, Ga. — The Florida Everblades (31-8-5-0, 67 pts.) try to stretch their winning streak to five games when they face the Atlanta Gladiators (14-19-6-1, 35 pts.) on Thursday night in the middle game of a three-game week. 

VITALS:Game 45: Everblades at AtlantaWhen: 7:35 p.m. ETWhere: Infinite Energy ArenaWatch: ECHL.tvListen: 99.3 ESPNSocial: Twitter | #FLAvsATLGame Notes: Click here

Last Time OutFlorida scored the final four goals of the game and overcame two separate three-goal deficits to earn their largest come-from-behind victory of the season in a 5-4 triumph over the Jacksonville Icemen on Tuesday at Hertz Arena. Joe Cox (1g-1a), Patrick Bajkov (1g-1a) and Logan Roe (2a) all had multi-point efforts to lead Florida's offensive attack, while Jamie Phillips made 13 saves in relief of starter Jeremy Helvig to earn his 17th win. BOX SCORE | RECAP 

Players to WatchJoe Cox (FLA) – A second-year pro, Cox has been on a recent hot stretch for Florida. The Michigan State University alum has four straight multi-point games and eight points (6g-2a) in that four-game span. Cox has points in nine of his last 10 games, tabbing nine goals and seven assists over that time frame. He leads all 'Blades players with 13 multi-point games.  

Derek Nesbitt (ATL) - The veteran leads Atlanta with 31 points and 20 assists. He has tabbed six multi-point games this season, including a season-high four point night (2g-2a) on Jan. 12 against Jacksonville. With 31 points this season, Nesbitt has scored at least 30 points in seven of his eight seasons in the ECHL. 

Series historyThursday is the seventh of the 11 meetings between the two teams this season and the fourth of five meetings in Atlanta. Florida has posted a 5-1-0-0 record against the Gladiators this season, including a 3-0-0-0 mark in Atlanta. The 'Blades have outscored Atlanta 19-8 in the three meetings at Infinite Energy Arena this year.Quite the ComebackIn overcoming a three-goal deficit to beat Jacksonville on Tuesday, Florida earned its largest come-from-behind win since the 2016-17 season. The 'Blades overcame a four-goal deficit in the first period in an eventual 6-4 win over the Fort Wayne Komets on March 26, 2017. The last 'Blades win when trailing by three goals was a 4-3 victory in South Carolina on  March 12, 2017. Florida trailed by three in the first period in that contest. 

Return of the MacFlorida captain John McCarron was named the Inglasco ECHL Player of the Week on Tuesday and continued his recent roll with a goal against Jacksonville that night. The Macomb, Michigan, native had two goals and three assists in two games against the Icemen this past weekend to earn his first career player of the week honor. McCarron is the second 'Blades player to be recognized as player of the week, joining Kyle Platzer, who was named the player of the week following the most recent series with Atlanta the week of Jan. 2-7. 

Dominance in the ATLIn the recent series history in Atlanta, Florida has dominated the Gladiators, winning the last 24 games, including two playoff games last season. The Everblades have not lost in Atlanta since a 4-2 setback on Oct. 23, 2015. In the most recent meeting at Infinite Energy Arena, Florida scored the first three goals, including the first tally just 22 seconds into the game, and coasted to a 5-2 win on Dec. 27. 

What a DifferenceFlorida leads the ECHL in goal differential and has scored 73 more goals than it has allowed this season, a differential that is 20 goals better than the next closest team, Cincinnati. A big part of that figure has been the 'Blades dominance in the second period. Florida has outscored opponents by 34 goals in the middle frame. Adirondack is the next best team in period two with a +19 goal differential. 

Not Your Average JoeCox is currently tied for second in the ECHL in scoring with 48 points (21g-27a). Brant Harris was fourth in overall scoring in 2016-17 (83 pts.), the highest a 'Blades player has finished since the 2013-14 campaign. Cox is on pace for 78 points this season.  

​​​​​​Next Up Following Thursday's game, Florida will have a day off on Friday before facing the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for the final time in the regular season at 7 p.m. on Saturday. 

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Single-game tickets for all regular season home games are on sale now!Ticket packages for the 2018-19 season are still on sale! Become part of the Everblades Family with a Partial Season or a Flexible Voucher Package that fits your schedule and budget! All Ticket & Voucher Packages provide savings and special benefits! To view the Ticket & Voucher Package options CLICK HERE. SPECIAL OFFER! Purchase a new ticket package for the 2018-19 season and receive a $20 gift card to Ford’s Garage and an Everblades tote bag!Private Arena Tours are also available to select your 2018-19 season seats! Call the Everblades office at 239-948-7825 to schedule your tour today! 

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes