ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades took four very important points from their division rivals, the Gwinnett Gladiators. Both teams were seeking those all-important wins on Friday and Saturday nights as they battled for a play-off spot. The player of note this weekend was Ernie Hartlieb. He played in his 312th regular-season game as a member of the Florida Everblades, a new team record. The old record was set by forward Brent McDonald. McDonald was a Blade from 2000-07 and appeared in 311 games. McDonald’s brother, Kevin, was also a Blade for a few years. Brent and Kevin played together as Florida Everblades during the 2000-01 season. Friday, January 22, 2010 at Germain Arena. Everblades 3 – Gladiators 2 Florida was off to a slow start, as they had problems getting the puck out of their zone. Gwinnett took advantage and scored an early goal at just 24 seconds into the first period. Florida got the puck on a delayed Gwinnett penalty and answered the call a little over a minute later, when the puck trickled over the goal line in slow-motion fashion. Ross Carlson earned the tally. The rest of the period was calm compared to the wild start. The first period ended tied at 1-1. The Blades took the lead after some persistent poking at the puck in Gwinnett’s crease. Colin Nicholson scored early in the period, at 1:36. Florida had back-to-back power play opportunities, but was unable to convert them, as they reverted to their style of excessive passing. They have a habit of passing to an excess, trying to secure a clear line, only to lose the puck to the team on the penalty kill. Returning after an injury that left him side-lined since November, Milan Gajic let everyone know he was ready to play. Gajic set up a perfect play, allowing Chris Capraro to score the Blades third goal. Barry Brust was excellent in net for the Blades, diving on pucks and making mid-air catches. At the end of two, Blades led 3-1. Gwinnett kicked into gear and took control early. They outworked Florida in their zone, not allowing them to clear. Brust was dominated by the Gladiators offense. Gwinnett managed to score once in the third, but it was not enough. With less than five minutes left, Brust made the save of the game, preventing them from going to a tie. Tempers got heated and Florida’s Ernie Hartlieb took on Gwinnett’s Sidall with 20 seconds left in the game. Florida wins by a score of 3-2. Blade’s Brust ended with 32 saves, while Danny Taylor took the loss with 31 saves on the night for Gwinnett. Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Germain Arena Everblades 5 – Gladiators 1 Florida came out looking stronger tonight. The fans were looking for an extension of the fight at the end of lasts night game, but were disappointed as play took precedence. The Blades had four weak power plays during the period, all efforts marred by their excessive passing, looking for perfection. They looked stronger playing five-on-five. The first period ended in a scoreless tie. The second period was one of the best I have seen this season so far. Wild, exciting, the crowd was in a frenzy as fast play, fights and numerous goals kept them cheering. Florida started the period with two quick goals. Ross Carlson again scored the first goal of the evening at 5:18. Mike Bayrack, playing against his former team, capitalized on a puck deflecting off a Gladiator, earning the tally at 6:55. With the Blades up 2-0, Ryan Van Buskirk took an unnecessary roughing penalty, putting the lead in jeopardy. Gwinnett took advantage and scored a power play goal at 11:28. Florida struck back again with two more quick goals. Milan Gajic scored on a breakaway at 17:29, followed by Mike Bayrack scoring his second goal of the night with just under a minute remaining. Florida scored four goals on just eleven shots. At the end of the second period, Florida led 4-1. The Blades continued to dominate and excelled in puck possession. A cross-check by Florida’s Van Buskirk was cancelled out when the victim, Gwinnett’s Michael Fornay retaliated. The Blades temporarily lost their focus and intensity and turned over the puck directly in front of their net. Barry Brust, once again, saved the day with a terrific save. Florida kicked back into gear and at the buzzer, scored their fifth goal. Brandon Buck scored the final blow, with less than a second left in the game. Florida wins 5-1. Goaltender, Danny Taylor, appeared to be upset and frustrated by the double loss that he raised his goalie stick and slammed it against the side of the arena as he stomped off the ice. Taylor had 35 saves. Florida ’s Brust took the win, with 28 saves on the night. PLAYER MOVES: Milan Gajic – activated off the IR (injured reserve. On IR since November) Brandon Buck – returned from Houston Aeros (AHL) Mike Bayrack – traded to Florida from Gwinnett NEXT GAME: Florida plays a three-game series against the Trenton Devils in Estero, Florida beginning on Wednesday January 27th, 2010 at 7:30pm at Germain Arena. Contact the writer at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com
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