FYTEN’S GAME-WINNER TAMES GROWLERS

ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades set the tone with two quick goals, but Andrew Fyten’s game winner with 7:22 left in regulation was the goal that made the difference in a game with playoff intensity at every turn. Fyten’s breakway goal off a feed from Cam Darcy snapped a 2-2 tie with 7:22 to play lifted the Blades to a 4-2 victory over the Newfoundland Growlers, the team with the top record in the ECHL’s Eastern Conference, Wednesday night at Hertz Arena.

The Everblades jumped out to a 2-0 lead just 62 seconds into the contest, beating Newfoundland goalie Keith Petruzzelli twice in a span of seven seconds. Jake Smith struck first just 55 seconds after the opening draw with his 22nd tally of the year, which came just 10 seconds into the Blades’ first power-play opportunity of the contest. Ted Nichol doubled the Blades’ lead with his first professional goal at the 1:02 mark. Lukas Kälble assisted on both goals, while Joe Pendenza and Cole Moberg picked up helpers on each goal, respectively.

A near-flawless opening period saw the Everblades outshoot Newfoundland 13-3, while three of the four minor penalties in the frame were whistled against the visitors.

Newfoundland registered the only goal of the second period, a power-play tally by Pavel Gogolev at 3:08 that trimmed the Everblades’ lead to 2-1. Shots on goal in the middle frame leveled out compared to the first period, with each squad taking 12.

In the third period, the Growlers’ Adam Holwell struck first at the 2:28 mark, tying the contest at 2-2, but Fyten’s fourth goal in as many games proved to be the difference, as the Everblades regained the lead for good, 3-2, at 12:38. Florida added an empty net goal from Sean Josling at 18:41 to close out the scoring. Kälble added his third assist of the contest.

The Everblades (34-18-4-4) outshot the Growlers 35-28 and made a winner out of Cam Johnson, who registered 26 saves and improved to 23-13-4-3 this season. Petruzzelli made 31 stops in a losing effort for Newfoundland (41-19-2-0) and fell to 4-3-0-0.

After a night off, the three-game series with Newfoundland continues Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Join the Blades for Canadian Night at Hertz Arena and be sure to take advantage of the always popular 239 Friday deal. Enjoy two tickets, two programs and two Labatt Blue draft beers for just $39. For tickets, click HERE. And remember, kids eat free at Breakaway Sports Pub. For information and reservations, click HERE.

Looking ahead, the series wraps up Saturday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. on Beach Night courtesy of Molly Moo’s Ice Cream. Turning Hertz Arena into a mini beach, there will be a bucket hat giveaway and themed intermission games. Fans should plan to come out early for live music at our popular Saturday Tailgate party from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Get your Saturday tickets by clicking HERE

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JOIN THE FUN

2023 Kelly Cup Playoff Ticket Packages are now on sale. Join the Blades in their pursuit to defend the title! To learn more, call or text (239) 948-7825

The 2023-24 season ticket plans are on sale now! Become a Blades 365 Member for the 2023-24 season and enjoy incredible savings and benefits! To view the Blades 365 Membership savings, benefits and options click HERE.

Group Packages are available for a group of 10 or more!Everblades put the FUN in FUNdraising! There is no handling of money or tickets and no limit to the amount of money your group can make with the Everblades easy-to-run online Fundraiser! For more information, or to reserve a Fundraiser Night at an Everblades regular season home game, call or text (239) 948-7825.

Grab the newest and hottest Everblades merchandise by checking out the entire collection that is available online by visiting shop.floridaeverblades.com or at the Hertz Arena Pro Shop!

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The Florida Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and the AHL's Charlotte Checkers.

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