NORFOLK, VA – Matt Willows scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period while Rasmus Tirronen stopped 31–shots to lead the Florida Everblades (34-15-0-1, 69 pts) to a 3-1 victory over the Norfolk Admirals (21-28-2-1, 45 pts) Friday night at the Norfolk Scope.
Much like Wednesday night’s affair between the two teams, Norfolk again managed to get off to a quick start, scoring the game’s opening goal 1:37 into the first period. Braden Christoffer fired a shot from the top of the zone which was originally saved by Everblades goaltender Rasmus Tirronen. However, the rebound fell right to the stick of Greg Chase who quickly buried his shot into the open net.
The Everblades got on the board early in the second period, taking advantage of a power play opportunity to tie the game. Taking advantage of the man advantage, Kevin Lynch managed to get a piece of his stick on a Matt Stanisz shot, tipping the puck past Nic Riopel to tie the game.
Entering the third period locked in a 1-1 tie, the ‘Blades began to take control of game. Continuing to pressure the Admirals in their own zone, the Everblades earned their first lead of the game midway through the third period.
Moving towards the Norfolk net, Matt Willows fired a shot on goal that was deflected upward by Admirals goaltender Nic Riopel. Catching the puck, Willows managed to get the puck onto his stick and while moving past the net, flip the puck between the post and Riopel to give the Everblades a 2-1 lead.
The Admirals attempted to answer back throughout the final frame, coming close on a couple occasions. Unable to find a tying goal, Norfolk pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker late in the game. The strategic move was to no avail as Maxime St-Cyr added a late empty net goal to give the ‘Blades a 3-1 victory.
Rasmus Tirronen was stellar in goal for the Everblades, earning the win after stopping 31 of the 32–shots he faced. Nic Riopel also had a superb night between the pipes but takes the loss after allowing two goals on 39-shots.
The Florida Everblades complete their short three game road trip tomorrow night in the rubber match of this week’s three game series, taking on the Norfolk Admirals at the Norfolk Scope. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Eastern time.
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