ESTERO, Fla. – An early goal by Jesse Lansdell, a two-point effort by Anton Malmström and a league-best 15th victory of the season by Cam Johnson was the winning formula as the Florida Everblades became the first ECHL team to reach 40 points in the league standings, knocking off the Orlando Solar Bears 2-1 in front of a sellout crowd of 7,371 fans Friday night at Hertz Arena
The Everblades controlled the tempo throughout the first period, outshooting Orlando by a 14-6 margin and scoring the period’s only goal. Lansdell connected just shy of the seven-minute mark for the game’s first goal. Nifty puck movement up top by defensemen Kade Landry and Malmström led to Lansdell beating Orlando goaltender Alexis Gravel from the doorstep to give the Blades the early 1-0 advantage.
Lansdell’s goal would hold up through a second frame in which the Everblades outshot the visitors for a second-straight period, this time by a 7-4 count. Florida took its 1-0 lead into the final period.
Malmström would give the Everblades a much-needed insurance goal in the third, going bar down from the left at the 11:43 mark to double the good guys’ lead to 2-0. Jordan Sambrook and Colin Theisen earned the assists on Malmström’s fourth goal of the year.
With the third stanza winding down, Orlando would spoil Everblades netminder Johnson’s bid for a league-best fourth shutout of the season. Aaron Luchuk got the Solar Bears on the board at the 15:24 mark, cutting the Everblades’ lead to 2-1. Luchuk’s goal of the season was his 11th of the season, tops among all Orlando skaters.
Orlando’s Gravel was pulled in favor of an empty net for the game’s final two minutes, but neither team was able to capitalize as Florida pulled out the 2-1 victory.
Both goaltenders turned in strong performances, with Johnson making 19 saves and winning his ECHL-best 15th game of the season in 18 outings for the Everblades. Gravel stopped 26 shots and suffered the loss for Orlando. On the night, the Blades claimed a 28-20 edge in shots on goal.
The Everblades and Solar Bears will continue their three-game series Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m. on Friends Night at Hertz Arena. Join us for a special night dedicated to the iconic tv series Friends. Fans can expect themed activities, trivia, opportunities to shout out favorite quotes and dress up as a favorite Friends characters. There will also be an Urban Buzz sticker giveaway for the first 3,000 fans and a pregame tailgate with live music. Visit floridaeverblades.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
You must be logged in to post a comment.