The Icemen couldn't hold onto their third-period lead tonight in front of 8,041 fans as the 'Blades scored three goals in the final frame to take the win, 5-3.
In a defensive first period that only featured 13 combined shots on goal, quality scoring chances were hard to come by. Florida scored the lone goal in the frame when Brett Bulmer found Tyler Ganly all alone in the slot for the slap-shot goal. Jacksonville finished the period with the advantage in shots, 7-6.
Nearly halfway through the second period, the Icemen would answer when Elgin Pearce knocked a loose puck in the crease past Martin Oullette. Less than two minutes later, Josh Erickson skated across the blue line uncontested and ripped a laser off the post and in for the first Icemen lead of the night. Florida would respond when the puck took an odd bounce off the glass behind the net and Steven Lorrentz reeled it in to tie the game. Under a minute to play in the second, the Icemen charged into the offensive zone on a shorthaned three-on-one breakout and Cameron Critchlow scored when he charged the net. The Icemen ended the second period ahead, 3-2.
Just over one minute into the third period, Brett Bulmer's shot from the left circle trickled past Lotz and into the net for the tie game. Only 42 seconds later, Quentin Shore scored when Josh Wesley's slapper from the point went directly to him for the 'Blades lead. As the Icemen pulled the goalie to try to tie the game, Matt Mackenzie fired the puck from the defensive zone into the empty net.
The Icemen continue the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union, as they travel to South Carolina to take on the Stingrays at 3:05 p.m. Sunday. Catch all the action from North Charleston on ECHL TV.
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