The Jacksonville Icemen fell 4-1 to the Florida Everblades on Sunday afternoon at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. Timothy Heinke scored Jacksonville’s lone goal, while goaltender Chase Wutzke made 31 saves on 35 shots. The loss closed the final game of the Icemen’s three-game weekend.
Jacksonville takes early lead
Jacksonville and Florida battled through a scoreless opening period until the Icemen created the game’s first breakthrough. Heinke forced a turnover along the left wing, moved into the offensive zone and beat Florida goaltender Roddy Ross with a high-rising wrist shot. The goal gave Jacksonville its first lead of the weekend.
The Icemen entered the game with a 3-4-3 record, while the Everblades entered at 8-1-0. Florida generated chances on the power play and a mini-breakaway during the opening period, while Jacksonville produced several quality close-range looks. Neither team could add to the score before the first intermission.
Everblades rally after intermission
Florida applied pressure during the first five minutes of the second period and tied the game on a rebound. Jacksonville created late pressure with several power-play opportunities, but the Icemen could not regain the lead before the second intermission. The Everblades then scored twice in the third period to take a 3-1 advantage.
Florida added another late goal and defeated Jacksonville 4-1 in regulation. Wutzke finished with 31 saves on 35 shots for the Icemen. The result gave Jacksonville a loss in the final contest of its three-game weekend.
Jacksonville hosts Greenville on Friday
The Icemen will return to action Friday when they host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in Jacksonville. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jacksonville will enter the matchup looking to return to the win column after the loss to Florida.
FSB Take
Jacksonville established an early lead, but Florida’s second-period pressure and three third-period goals changed the game. Wutzke’s 31 saves kept the Icemen within reach after the Everblades tied the score. The Friday home game against Greenville gives Jacksonville its next opportunity to convert an early advantage into a complete result.
Source: Original report