New game, same story. The IceGators are familiar with the Pensacola Ice Flyers, having played them three times in the first six games, but they are also familiar with building an early lead and blowing it. The first time these two teams met, the Gators blew an early first period 3 goal lead and the last time they faced off they barely held on to an early two goal lead.
Tonight, the Gators jumped out to a two goal lead, with goals from Tobias Carlsson and Beau McLaughlin. The game changed drastically when the Ice Flyers managed to score two goals with under two minutes left in the second period. The third period began like a whole new game, knotted at 2, but the Ice Flyers were able to outscore the Gators 2-1 in the period, to win 4-3.
Beau McLaughlin and Shawn McNeil had great games. McLaughlin scored twice and added an assist, while McNeil assisted on all three goals. Dekker started his first game of the season in net and played well for the most part, but saw over 40 shots. Other players to see their first action of the season were newcomers Eric Tallent and Kirill Kitsyn. Eric Tallent is solid defensemen that was signed to fill in for the injured Paul D'Agostino. Kitsyn is a young Russian forward on a three game contract to fill in for injured CJ Tozzo.
Note: Tallent will wear #2, Kitsyn will wear #5, Clay Lewis has taken #22, Fimiani moved to #9, and Nick Vandenbeld is now #26.
The IceGators are now 2-4. This is not the record the Gators saw themselves having, but I believe they are a better team than the record indicates. One thing we have to remember is they have not had a home game yet. In most sports, especially SPHL hockey, road records are usually a lot worse than home records. This is because of crowds, familiarity, and the last chance to line change. With that being said, it is important to not let winnable games slip away. The Gators could easily be 4-2 but will have to keep working hard to get over .500. Tomorrow night they will be home in the Dome, in what is sure to be an amazing night. Two straight wins in front of a fired up crowd would put them at 4-4, in a solid position to have a successful season.
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