After stumbling during last week's brief sojurn to Georgia, the Florida Everblades returned to sunny Estero to enjoy the many of benefits of being home. Foremost among them is competing at Germain Arena, where the team has won 7 of its past 8 games.
Welcoming the ECHL's new Chicago Express for its first regular season trip to Florida, the Everblades have continued their winning ways and captured the first 2 games of the series in convincing fashion.
On Wednesday, January 11, the squad displayed the kind of firepower, which has it tied for the team lead in goal scoring in the Eastern Conference. Posting 7 goals from 7 different skaters, the Blades earned an impressive 7-2 victory, in which they further displayed dominance by out-shooting Chicago 42-15.
For the second game of the series, the home team avoided any "Friday the 13th" type scares by slaying the Express 4-2. This game was much closer, as the visitors battled back from an early deficit to make it close in the 3rd period. With shots nearly even at 30-29, the Blades sealed the win with a last minute empty-net goal to send the good-sized crowd of 5,740 away happily.
Notable about Florida's recent efforts is the shuffling line-up Coach Greg Poss continues to manage capably. Friday's game saw the return of goalie John Muse, who started the season as the team's primary net-minder, but has played for the Charlotte Checkers for the past two months.
With the loss of top scorer Matt Beca to recall by Charlotte, other recent compensatory additions from the AHL include the acquisition of forward Brayden Irwin on loan from the Toronto Marlies, the assignment of defenseman Kevin Quick from the Norfolk Admirals, and the return of defenseman Ryan McGinnis from the Syracuse Crunch and forward Trevor Bruess from the Springfield Falcons.
The Everblades have won 8 of the past 10 contests and now sit only 1 point back of first place in the South Division.
Florida concludes the successful series against Chicago with a home game on Saturday, January 14. The puck drops at 7:00pm and the team is offering its "Saturday Family Special," in which families can purchase 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas for only $56.
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