DULUTH, GA – Joe Cox scored twice while Martin Ouellette made 27 saves to lead the Florida Everblades (16-2-1-2, 35 points) to a 4-2 win over the Atlanta Gladiators (10-8-1-1, 22 points) Saturday night at the Infinite Energy Arena. The Everblades wrapped up their six game road trip earning 10 of a possible 12 points.
Atlanta took an early 1-0 lead off a nice offensive zone effort from Rick Pinkston. Drawing the Everblades defense deep into their own zone, Pinkston managed to find a wide-open Darby Llewllyn alone in the high slot. Llewellyn wristed a quick shot past the blocker of Ouellette and into the net.
Moments later, the Everblades took advantage of a four-on-three power play to tie the score up at 1-1. Peppering Atlanta with a number of shots, the numbers game eventually paid off for the Everblades. Forcing a number of rebounds, the Everblades eventually took advantage as Nelson Armstrong flipped his shot past a diving Atlanta goalie Matt O’Connor for the goal.
The Everblades jumped on top following another goal from a second chance opportunity. Despite a brilliant stop from O’Connor to deny Cox on the breakaway, the Gladiators failed to clear the puck. Clark Seymour sent a hard shot from the point off the stick of Cox and past a still recovering O’Connor for the goal.
Atlanta would tied the game at 2-2 with twoseconds remaining in the second period. Going on the power play with just over 30-seconds remaining in the middle frame, Atlanta moved quickly. Cycling the puck around inside the attacking zone, Ben Danford gained possession at the point. Danford blasted the puck through traffic right past a completely screened Ouellette.
Moving into the third period, the Everblades quickly jumped back on top, taking a 3-2 lead less than five minutes into the period. Controlling the puck inside the attacking zone, the Everblades began to up the pressure on Atlanta. Finally, Steven Lorentz sent a pass over to Cox in the high slot and he whipped a quick wrist shot into the back of the net.
The Everblades used a power play chance to full advantage as they took a 4-2 lead midway into the third period. Stephen MacAulay managed to find Michael Kirkpatrick alone at the left wing circle. Firing a wicked slap shot, Kirkpatrick sniped the puck past the glove of O’Connor and high into the net.
Attempting to mount a late comeback, the Gladiators were denied at every turn by Ouellette. Making numerous outstanding saves over the remaining part of the third period, Ouellette helped seal the 4-2 victory for the Everblades.
Ouellette was absolutely outstanding in goal for the Everblades, earning the win after stopping 27 of the 28 shots he faced. O’Connor also played well in goal for Atlanta but suffered the loss after allowing four goals on 27 shots.
Returning home to Germain Arena, the Florida Everblades will take on their in-state rival, the Jacksonville Icemen, Friday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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