ECHL Game Preview: Atlanta Gladiators vs Florida Everblades | 10/30/2024

The recent faceoffs between the Florida Everblades and the Atlanta Gladiators, each taking place on the road at Hertz Arena, showcased Florida’s solid defensive performance along with their stacked forward lines. Despite Atlanta’s attempts, they found it challenging to penetrate Florida’s defense and create meaningful offensive chances of their own. We will explore both games in depth and anticipate what challenges may arise for the team heading into their next game. The Gladiators will take on the ‘Blades for a third time this week, when they host Florida at Gas South Arena on Wednesday (10/30).

Atlanta Gladiators and the Florida Everblades on October 25, 2024:

In their October 25th matchup, the Florida Everblades and Atlanta Gladiators clashed at Hertz Arena, showcasing a blend of strong defensive plays and key offensive moments. Atlanta’s Joey Cipollone opened the scoring, but Florida quickly responded with a power play goal from Jeremie Biakabutuka. Colin Theisen’s second-period goal gave Florida the lead, which they extended with an empty-net goal by Mike O’Leary in the third period. Florida’s goaltender, Cam Johnson, was solid, making 21 saves and allowing just one goal. Despite Atlanta’s efforts, including a strong performance by Drew DeRidder with 35 saves, Florida’s consistent pressure and effective power play strategies secured their victory.

SCORING SUMMARY

First Period:
5:35 – Atlanta Goal: Joey Cipollone (Assists: Blake Murray, PJ Fletcher)
7:29 – Florida Goal: Jérémie Biakabutuka (Assists: C. Hargrove, O. Chau, Power Play)

Second Period:
14:41 – Florida Goal: Colin Theisen (Assists: Sean Allen, Jordan Sambrook)

Third Period:
18:22 – Florida Goal: Mike O’Leary (Empty Net)

Goalies:

• Atlanta Gladiators:
  • Drew DeRidder: 57:56 min, 35 saves, 3 goals allowed
  • Empty Net: 2:04 min, 1 goal allowed
• Florida Everblades:
  • Cam Johnson: 60:00 min, 21 saves, 1 goal allowed

Penalties:

• Atlanta:
  • Eric Neiley: Interference (6:21, 2nd period)
  • Brenden Datema: Elbowing (18:24, 2nd period), Tripping (10:01, 3rd period)
• Florida:
  • Ben Brar: Slashing (12:03, 3rd period)

The Florida Everblades won the game with a final score of 3-1 over the Atlanta Gladiators.

Atlanta Gladiators and the Florida Everblades on October 26, 2024:

Florida’s goaltender, Will Cranley, delivered an exceptional performance, securing a shutout by blocking all 26 shots from Atlanta. The Everblades’ offense shone brightly, led by Joe Lansdell, who netted two goals and provided an assist, along with Luke Lambdin, who added a goal and two assists. Florida maintained a steady scoring pace throughout the game, with two goals in the first period, three in the second, and one in the third. Meanwhile, Atlanta struggled to score, ultimately leading to a convincing victory for Florida.

SCORING SUMMARY

First Period

• Florida took the lead with two goals:
  • 15:13: Cole Hargrove scored the first goal, assisted by Joe Lansdell and Jake Sambrook.
  • 17:57: Joe Lansdell scored on a power play, assisted by Luke Lambdin and Kris Myllari.

Second Period

• Florida extended their lead with three more goals:
  • 1:20: Luke Lambdin scored, assisted by Cole Hargrove and Alex Bisson.
  • 15:12: Kris Myllari scored, assisted by Cole Hargrove and Luke Lambdin.
  • 18:43: Colin Theisen scored, assisted by Kris Myllari and Jeremie Biakabutuka.

Third Period

• Florida added one final goal:
  • 9:11: Joe Lansdell scored his second goal of the game, assisted by Alex Bisson and Jake Sambrook.

Penalties:

Florida’s offense was on fire, scoring two goals in the first period, three in the second, and one in the third. Atlanta struggled to get on the scoreboard despite having 26 shots on goal. The Florida Everblades delivered a commanding performance against the Atlanta Gladiators, securing the 6-0 victory in regulations.

Game Comparisons

Scoring and Offense

Penalties

Special Teams

Overall Performance

Atlanta’s performance issues seem to be consistent across both games, with difficulties in scoring, defensive lapses, and ineffective power plays. Improving these areas will be crucial for better results in Wednesday’s game.

Game Preview – October 30, 2024

Alright, now that we know what last weekend looked like, what is up next for Atlanta? Here’s is my playbook for the Gladiators to up their game:

1. Stronger Defense: Biakabutuka and Theisen were too comfortable in the first two games. The Gladiators’ defense needs to tighten up, especially on the penalty kill. These two aspects were strong in their performances against Indy; however, Florida boasts a formidable lineup of forwards. This means the Gladiators will need to revamp their strategy to face these more challenging opponents.
2. Capitalizing on Power Plays: The Gladiators had a power play but didn’t convert. Against tougher teams, especially in the South division, special teams will need to find ways to take full advantage of these opportunities.
3. Increase Physical Play: Get more physical with the Everblades to disrupt their flow and gain possession.
4. Aggressive Forecheck: Pressure the Florida defensemen, forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities. Keeping that pressure on consistently will be tough.
5. Leverage Home Crowd: Atlanta can feed off the energy and support of the home crowd and could create a challenging environment for the visiting ‘Blades.