Blades rally past Chiefs 4-2
There are times in a hockey game when a team must overcome more than their opponent.
That was the case Friday night in the Florida Everblades’ come-from-behind 4-2 win over the Johnstown Chiefs at Germain Arena.
Poor officiating played a factor as the Everblades (37-16-3) fell behind 2-0 heading into the second period. Referee Steve Patafie penalized the Blades on six occasions compared to one for the Chiefs (31-21-3).
The most damaging of those penalties came late in the opening period, giving the Chiefs a two-man advantage. They cashed in to go up 2-0.
It wasn’t just the penalties that got under Florida’s skin. Johnstown’s second goal came when the net behind Blades goaltender David Leggio (18 saves) was dislodged, but the referee allowed the goal.
“I think the statistics show for themselves (in the first period),” Blades coach Malcolm Cameron said, “Needless to say I was not overly enthusiastic about the officiating.”
Cameron managed to calm his team down for the second period, though, and the Blades began to dominate. Captain Kevin Baker had one goal and one assist. Newcomer Milan Gajic tallied a goal and three assists. The Blades scored four times on 18 shots in the frame.
Colin Nicholson started the scoring barrage, when falling to the ice he flipped the puck over Chiefs goalie Ian Keserich.