The Icemen scored two goals in the third period to make it a one-goal game, but the Gladiators would hold on and defeated Jacksonville for the third time this season by a score of 4-2.
In a chippy first period, the Gladiators would get five power play opportunities. Despite entering the game with the seventh-best penalty kill in the league, the Icemen couldn't kill off every man advantage opportunity. Brady Vail struck first for Atlanta, putting his shot past Phillips to give the Gladiators the 1-0 lead with 5:45 remaining in the frame. While trying to get out of the period with minimal damage, the Icemen gave up another goal when Ben Danford's wrist shot found the twine. Atlanta's defense was able to hold Jacksonville to just three shots in the first, a franchise worst, and the home team skated off the ice with a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes.
In the second period, the Icemen improved but were still outshot 14-7. Later in the period, Alex Gacek made some nifty moves and then put his shot past a barrage of players and eventually Phillips to extend the Gladiators' lead to 3-0.
Jacksonville entered the third 0-4-1-0 this season when trailing after the first two periods. However, the Icemen would come full force in the final 20 minutes. It started when Jimmy Lodge found Ryan Graham alone in front of the net for Jacksonville's first goal of the game. Minutes later, Lodge would steal the puck and then find Graham once again all alone to bring the deficit to one. With 5:32 remaining in the game, Derek Nesbitt scored to put the Icemen away.
The Icemen return home for a three-game homestand, starting on Tuesday, Nov. 28 against the Orlando Solar Bears at 7:30 p.m. Fans can get tickets here.
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