In a continuation of the season's streaky nature, the suddenly cold Florida Everblades have now dropped 5 consecutive contests. Being swept on last weekend's roadtrip certainly put the brakes on the team's prior winnings ways. However, no loss was more stinging than the 4-3 home defeat by the Greenville Road Warriors on Thursday, January 26.
In spite of being out-shot throughout the contest, the Blades came out strongly and grabbed an early lead. Tacking on second period tallies from Scott Pitt and Mike Beca, Florida took a comfortable 3-0 edge into the game's final frame. With goalie Pat Nagle in control, it appeared the losing streak would come to an end on this night at Germain Arena.
However, the game took a disappointing turn in the third period, which ultimately prevented a victory. Greenville's persistence paid off and the visitors posted two goals, in order to be in position for a late rally. Pulling their net-minder in the game's final minute, the Road Warriors frustratingly tied the score with only 38 seconds to play.
Despite the Everblades enjoying a 2 minute power play opportunity, with neither team able to break the deadlock in overtime, the ultimate result was determined by a shootout. Though the Blades do hang onto one point, Greenville managed the only tie-breaking goal and walked away victoriously.
Florida gets one more crack at their South Division rival, as the two teams conclude the series on Saturday, January 28. This will be the final meeting of the season and the puck will drop at 7:00pm, with fans hopeful the team quickly concludes yet another lengthy losing streak.
Providing some compensatory joy to longtime Blades' supporters is news of the first NHL goal by team alumnus Mike Angelidis. The former player for the 2006-07 squad netted a tally in his first game for the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, January 24 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Angelidis' goal not only came in his first NHL game, but the puck actually found the back of the net on his first NHL shot. The 26 year-old played in 24 career games for Florida and scored an impressive 18 points before receiving a promotion to the AHL. The Ontario native's 5 additional years at that level were finally rewarded when injuries forced the Bolts to activate the left wing.
Angelidis is now the 483rd ECHL player to reach the sport's highest level. He joins Matt Hendricks of the Washington Capitals and Chad LaRose of the Carolina Hurricanes as active NHL players who formerly skated on the ice in Estero.
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