Playing in the second game of the three-game series against the Florida Everblades, the Toledo Walleye were defeated tonight with a score of 4-3. An early lead and amazing saves from Walleye goaltender Alec Richards just fell short as Florida took the win in a shootout.
Jamie Milam put the Walleye on the penalty kill just seven seconds in on a delay of game call, but Toledo was able to kill the penalty and prevent an early Florida lead.
The tables were turned later in the period when the Walleye were given a five-on-three advantage. The highly successful line of Adam Hobson, Maxime Tanguay and Evan Rankin capitalized on the power play, opening the scoring with Hobson notching his fifth goal of the season.
Florida spoiled the moment just under a minute later as Jacob Micflikier picked up a failed pass from goaltender Alec Richards. Micflikier sent the puck to Ryan Lang, who dropped it in the net to tie the score.
Just five seconds later, play was stopped again as Toledo's Mark Nebus dropped the gloves with Florida's Steve McJannet. The scrum was quickly broken up and both teams headed to the locker room after the following face-off.
After a slow start to the second, the Walleye got a second five-on-three man advantage just after the midpoint of the period. Toledo's top line fired again, this time with Evan Rankin scoring on Everblades goaltender Barry Brust.
Florida was given its own five-on-three advantage near the middle of the third period, ending both penalties early with goals. A.J. Thelen recorded the first goal of the power play, while center Rob Hennigar got the second. Micflikier tallied assists on both goals.
The Walleye did not go down without a fight, as J.C. Sawyer continued his clutch, last-minute heroics, sending a one-timer to Adam Hobson to score for the equalizer. The teams played off the remaining couple of minutes without additional scoring and the finished regulation at a 3-3 tie.
Both teams started the overtime session a man down after each took a penalty to close out the third period. The extra stanza was nearly ended early when Florida had a nice scoring chance. Alec Richards stopped the puck in what Walleye announcer Matt Melzak called the "save of the year."
Heading into the shoot-out, Bryan Ewing connected for the Walleye, but Jacob Micflikier and Ahren Spylo scored for the Everblades to give Florida their second-consecutive win over Toledo. The teams will square off again tomorrow night in the final game of the series.
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