ESTERO- Matt Marquardt scored the game winning shot at 13:49 into overtime period to secure a 4-3 victory over the Las Vegas Wranglers in game three of the Kelly Cups Finals, in front of a crowd of 6,822 at Germain Arena Friday night.
The Blades take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The Everblades got off to a fast start in the first period controlling the puck and keeping it in the Las Vegas defensive zone.Â
Their efforts would pay off five minutes into the period, Mike Ratchuk took advantage.
Ratchuk broke up a pass at his own blue line, and propelled to a breakaway chance.
Ratchuk used a deke move and backhanded the puck between the legs of Wrangler's goaltender Joe Fallon to give the Blades a 1-0 lead after one.
After the first break, the Wranglers wasted little time scoring to start out the second period, posting two goals in the first two minutes.Â
The first came 27 seconds in, courtesy of Adam Huxley who knocked in a loose puck into the net after both teams battled for control in the crease tying the game at one.
Moments later, the Wranglers took the lead after a Scott Campbell knocked in a rebound after a Peter MacArthur shot past the low blocker of Blades goaltender John Muse to give Las Vegas a 2-1 lead.
Nearly a minute later, the Blades tied it up as Brandon MaClean sent a pass through the crease to Ryan McGinnis whose one timer beat Fallon on the backside for the goal.
The Wranglers kept fighting and would steal a lead with 46 seconds remaining in the second period.
Adam Miller attamped a wraparound shot which rolled in front and put back in the net by Judd Blackwater giving Las Vegas a 3-2 lead.
In the third, Florida put Las Vegas on its heels with heavy offensive pressure.
With just 3:49 remaining, the Blades would tie the game up at three.
Matt Beca sent a pass through the slot finding Justin Shugg whose one timer beat Fallon backside, sending the game into overtime.
In the ensuing overtime period, Florida controlled the puck, but had trouble getting good shots.
It would take until the 14 minute mark when Bobby Raymond intercepted the puck in the neutral zone and took it into the slot and dropped it back for Matt Marquardt who quickly ripped a wrist shot which beat Fallon on the shortdie post high to give the Everblades a 4-3 victory over the Las Vegas Wranglers.
John Muse earns the victory stopping 32 of 35 shots on goal while Joe Fallon takes the loss allowing 4 goals on 24 shots.
Game four of the series will take place at Germain Arena on Tuesday, May 22.
The first 2,500 fans to walk through the gates will receive an Everblades rally towel courtesy of McDonald's, Computer Parts International, Bob's Top End, Buchanan Chiropractic, Maid Pro, and Bellacino's
Game five will be played on Wednesday, May 23.
All games start at 7:30 p.m.
To purchase game tickets stop by the Capital Bank Box Office, which is open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fans may also call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or order online at www.ticketmaster.com
Playoff ticket packages are also on sale, to purchase, or more information regarding playoff packages call 239-948-7825.
2012 Kelly Cup Finals Schedule and Results (Florida Leads Series 2-1)
Game 1 â€" Monday, May 14 Florida â€" 1 at Las Vegas â€" 2
Game 2 â€" Tuesday, May 15 Florida â€" 7 at Las Vegas - 2
Game 3 â€" Friday, May 18 Las Vegas â€" 3 at Florida - 4 (OT)
Game 4 â€" Tuesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Germain Arena in Estero, Florida
Game 5 â€" Wednesday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Germain Arena in Estero, Florida
Game 6 â€" Friday, May 25 at 7:05 p.m. PT at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada *
Game 7 â€" Saturday, May 26 at 7:05 p.m. PT at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada *
* If necessary.
(Courtesy: Florida Everblades)
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