DULUTH, GA – Brendan O’Donnell scored the game-winning goal and added an assist to lead the Florida Everblades (31-9-2-2, 66 points) to a 5-3 victory over the rival Atlanta Gladiators (17-21-6-1, 41 points) Saturday night at the Infinite Energy Arena. The win also moves the Everblades into a tie with the Toledo Walleye for the league’s best record this season.
Almost in a replay of Friday night’s contest between the two teams, the opening period was dominated by the Gladiators. However, unlike Friday night, Atlanta was able to convert on one of their chances to take the game’s opening lead.
Getting a return feed from Alex Guptill, Justin Buzzeo picked up the puck and made a nice move to cut through traffic and get into the slot. Continuing to stick-handle past Everblades defensemen, Buzzeo got the top of the crease and backhanded a shot over the glove of Florida goaltender Anthony Peters and into the top corner of the net.
Coming out in the second period, the Everblades began to find to their groove. Beginning to up the offensive pressure on Atlanta, Florida tied the game just over two minutes into the frame. Fighting for the puck down in the corner, Josh Wesley managed to come out with possession and turn towards goal. Standing below the red line, Wesley flung a shot towards goal that bounced off the back of Atlanta goaltender Matt Ginn and trickled into the net.
Continuing to build some momentum during the second period, the Everblades took advantage of a power play opportunity to take a 2-1 lead. Possessing the puck down in the attacking zone, the Everblades moved the puck around.
Getting to the right wing circle, O’Donnell sent a cross-ice pass to a waiting Brant Harris. Ripping a shot on goal, Harris blasted the puck into the back of the net. Earning an assist on the goal, O’Donnell also extended his point streak to a league high 14 games.
Adding their third goal of the period, Florida doubled their lead thanks to a nice play in front of goal by Matt Berry. Rushing in towards the net, Clark Bishop moved the puck and wristed it towards goal. While Matt Ginn managed to make the initial save, the rebound attempt was quickly turned in by Berry. While the goal was initially waved off, further discussion amongst the officials would see the goal put up on the scoreboard.
Earning a power play just under four minutes into the third period, Atlanta needed just five seconds of the man advantage to cut the Everblades lead in half. Winning the ensuing offensive zone faceoff, Tyler Murovich sent the puck back to Josh Atkinson. Sending the puck over the slot area, Trevor Mingoia blasted his one-time slap shot past a sliding Anthony Peters.
Continuing to pressure Florida, the Gladiators earned some more great scoring chances. With just over five minutes remaining in the third period, Atlanta finally managed to convert one of those chances. Winning a battle behind the Everblades goal, Justin Buzzeo managed to send the puck back up towards the front of net. Unable to cover the puck in time, Anthony Peters had no chance as Thomas Frazee chipped the puck into the back of the net.
Coming within inches of taking the lead late in the third period, a mad scramble in the crease kept the Gladiators from taking a late lead. Picking up the loose puck near the mouth of goal, Michael Kirkpatrick immediately turned and fired the puck down ice to a streaking O’Donnell. Making a nice spin move in the low slot, O’Donnell backhanded his shot past Ginn to give the Everblades a 4-3 lead.
With Atlanta pulling the goaltender with just over a minute to play in the contest, Michael Kirkpatrick took the opportunity and buried an empty net goal to seal the 5-3 win in favor of the Everblades.
Anthony Peters was stellar once again in goal for the Everblades, earning the win after stopping 36 of the 39 shots he faced. Ginn also played well during the contest but suffers the loss in goal for Atlanta after allowing four goals on 33 shots.
Returning home to Germain Arena for a pair of games next weekend, the Florida Everblades kickoff a short three-game home stand next Friday night against the rival Atlanta Gladiators. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.
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