The Icemen were out for revenge following a disappointing overtime loss to the Admirals on Monday. They got just that with a 5-3 win over Norfolk at home in front of 7,586 fans at Veterans Memorial Arena.
The first period was action packed as both teams combined to score five goals. It all started when Tim Daly skated into the offensive zone and fired a wrist shot from the slot past Ty Reichenbach at 8:22 into the frame. The goal was Daly's first as a member of the Icemen and came against his former team. Shortly after, newcomer Cody Fowlie fired a shot from the point that found Tanner Eberle's stick for the deflection goal. Only 14 seconds later, Bobby MacIntyre forced a steal and then scored, capping off a thrilling 1:37 that featured three goals.
However, Norfolk's excellent road power play would show up late in the first period. TJ Melancon fired a wrist shot above the left circle to score on the man advantage and get the Admirals on the board. Minutes later, Darik Angeli brought the puck from the blue line to the crease before Max Cook made a quick deke and beat Austin Lotz. The Icemen led the Admirals, 3-2, after the first period.
The goalies were the story of the second period, as each made key stops to keep the score 3-2. As an Icemen penalty expired, Chad Thibodeau, in his first professional game, picked up the puck in the neutral zone and skated in all alone on a breakaway. Ty Reichenbach made the initial stop and then Thibodeau's rebound attempt hit the post and was immediately covered for the whistle.
In the third period, Tim Daly struck for the second time in the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union. As the puck rolled along the boards off a faceoff, Daly sent a slapshot from the point past Reichenbach for the fourth Icemen goal, the eventual game-winner. Not long after, MacIntyre tallied his second of the game as he wrapped the puck around the left post to give the Icemen a nice three-goal cushion. The Admirals would collect one late as Grant Besse continued his phenomenal rookie season, but the Icemen skated away victorious.
With the win, Jacksonville moves into sixth place in the South Division, just seven points out of a playoff berth. Tomorrow, the Icemen travel to South Florida to take on the Florida Everblades at 7:00 p.m. On Sunday, the Icemen return home to take on North Division opponent, Brampton Beast, at 3:00 p.m. Click here to get your tickets!
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