Like everyone else, fans of the Florida Everblades will likely tweak last-minute changes into their Christmas wish lists as the holiday draws near. The team's sales office certainly hopes that tickets end up filling many of those supporters' stockings.
However, even before the arrival of Santa Claus and his famed sleigh of presents, the Everblades have already delivered a long-sought gift.
On the heels on the prior night's overtime triumph, a 6-3 victory over the visiting Trenton Titans on Friday, December 23, enabled the Blades to capture their first multiple-game series sweep of the 2011-12 season.
In addition to the 9 goals, the latter game was a wild affair that saw a plethora of penalties and a combined 80 shots by both teams. Everblades goalie Pat Nagle certainly stood tall in blocking 43 of 46 attempts to preserve the early 3-0 lead, which the home team uncharacteristically grabbed during the 1st period.
Players particularly worthy of praise during the strong effort included forwards Leigh Salters and Matt Beca, who each netted two goals, and the recently-returned Philip-Michael Devos, who added a goal and two assists.
The especially chippy game brought Germain Arena attendees further delight, as a large scuffle broke out during the latter minutes of the contest, in which even the goalies decided to partake.
The series sweep improves Florida's record to 15-13-2 after 30 games. Though it has certainly been a rocky campaign as the season's halfway mark approaches, the current 3 game winning streak has put the Blades back in the yet-to-be-decided fight for South Division dominance.
Now permitted to enjoy Christmas on a positive note, the team takes to the road for the next two weeks to compete in 5 critical games against division opponents. In the meantime, let's hope Santa performs as capably as the Everblades did in disposing of the Trenton Titans.
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