Florida Everblades Turn Back Texas Wildcatters Historical Bid in 4-2 Win

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com – Estero, FL-The Florida Everblades had no intention of allowing their division rivals an opportunity to create history in their building, thus postponing the Texas Wildcatters’ bid at the ECHL single season points total one more night. The electric atmosphere inside Germain Arena powered the Everblades who scored two third period goals en-route to a 4-2 win. 

Although both teams skated to a scoreless first period, a playoff-like intensity could definitely be felt. Texas, who entered the contest 11 for 52 on the power play versus Florida, failed to capitalize on two first period power plays. At the tail end of the second power play, ‘Catters Forward John McNabb found himself wide open at the back post; however, Florida Goalie David Shantz made an impressive glove save, snagging the puck from mid air as it traveled towards the top corner of the net. The Everblades pressured Texas throughout the period, peppering Goalie Kris Tebbs with 8 shots. The Texas penalty kill continued to play stifling defense as they denied both of Florida’s power-play opportunities.

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The second period turned into a track meet as both teams really began pushing the tempo. Florida must have figured out a way to beat the ‘Catters’ penalty kill as they would strike first blood with the man advantage. Kenndal McArdle found his unmarked teammate David Cornacchia hovering at the far post. Cornacchia collected the pass and buried a shot past Tebbs at the 3:11 mark. Steve Czech was also credited with an assist as he began the Florida breakout. Shortly after, Kevin Baker tied the game notching his 29th goal of the season. Following a spectacular save by Tebbs, Wildcatters newcomer Jordan Morrison connected with Baker streaking down the near side. Baker entered the Everblades’ offensive zone unmarked, firing a shot into the chest of Shantz, who was unable to corral the puck. Never quitting, Baker followed his shot, nailing home the rebound for the equalizing goal. At the 7:27 mark, only thirty-seven seconds later, Florida would regain the lead as McArdle capitalized on a ‘Catters turnover. Florida held the goal advantage for nearly six minutes; nonetheless, Texas continued to battle. Jordan Morrison tied the game at 13:32 as he snuck in near post and put a shot past Shantz’s short side. Cleve Kinley collected an assist on the goal. 

The third period was all Florida as the Everblades scored two unanswered goals. At 6:05, Florida took the lead and never looked back. Preston Callander fired a low wrist shot off Tebbs’ left leg; however, the ‘Catters were unable to clear the puck. This allowed Callander to collect his own rebound and skate to the top of the crease before slamming home the game winner. Derek Damon would nail the coffin shut with a breakaway goal at 14:08.

Texas, who entered Friday’s game 7-0-1 versus Florida this season, collects their 8th regulation loss (52-8-4-7) of the season and their first versus Florida. The Wildcatters are now tied with the Cincinnati Cyclones for the overall points total (115 points). Each remains one point away from tying the ECHL single season record set by the Louisiana Ice Gators in 2002.

The series finale, concluding tomorrow night at 7:30pm, will also be the final regular season game for both teams.

The Wildcatters return to Ford Arena for the first two games of the Kelly Cup South Division Quarterfinals versus the Mississippi Sea Wolves Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday April 10. Game time each night is 7:05.

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