The Florida Everblades defeated the Jacksonville Icemen 4-1 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Florida scored four unanswered goals over the final two periods to rally from a 1-0 deficit. The victory extended the Everblades’ winning streak to four games and completed a 4-1 road trip.
Jacksonville took the lead when Timothy Heinke scored with 20.5 seconds remaining in the first period. The Everblades held an 8-4 edge in shots during the opening frame, but Heinke’s goal gave the Icemen the advantage. Florida then turned the game around with a four-goal response.
Horbach sparks Florida comeback
Jack Horbach tied the game 2:20 into the second period by scoring on a rebound. The goal was Horbach’s third of the season and ended a four-game stretch without a goal. Max Graham assisted on the play and later added another assist on Horbach’s second goal.
Florida outshot Jacksonville 16-6 in the second period, but Jacksonville goaltender Chase Wutzke kept the game tied through 40 minutes. Wutzke recorded 23 saves against 24 Florida shots during that span. Horbach broke the deadlock 3:21 into the third period when he scored on a rebound of his own shot.
Devon Paliani added an insurance goal at 5:38 of the third period to give Florida a 3-1 lead. The goal was Paliani’s team-high seventh of the season. Tyler Duke completed the scoring at 17:37 with his second goal of the season.
Ross wins Everblades debut
Roddy Ross stopped 12 of 13 shots to earn the win in his Everblades debut. Ross previously won 16 ECHL games with the Wichita Thunder over two seasons. Florida finished with a 35-13 advantage in shots.
Florida also received assists from Jesse Lansdell, Jordan Sambrook, Mark Senden and Duke. Lansdell extended his assist streak to three games, while Sambrook recorded an assist in five of his last six games. The Everblades killed 14 of 15 Jacksonville power plays during the three-game series.
Everblades return to Hertz Arena
Florida will open a five-game homestand against the South Carolina Stingrays at Hertz Arena. The teams are scheduled to meet Friday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. The Everblades’ next five games will be played at Hertz Arena.
FSB Take
Florida’s response after falling behind was driven by both its offensive pressure and goaltending. Horbach produced twice, Ross won his first game with the Everblades and Florida limited Jacksonville to 13 shots overall. The four-game winning streak now leads Florida into a five-game home stretch at Hertz Arena.
Source: Original report