Everblades Clinch Playoff Spot with 5-1 Victory Over Cyclones

ESTERO, Florida – Rocco Carzo’s pair of shorthanded goals in the second period sparked the Florida Everblades (35-22-4-7) past the Cincinnati Cyclones (41-20-5-3) by a 5-1 final score in front of 6,159 at Germain Arena on Saturday night.

The Cyclones drew first blood late in the opening period as Mike Embach’s centering pass across the goalmouth redirected between the legs of Jesse Deckert (W, 23 saves, 5-1-0-1) and into the net at 18:49. Thanks to the power play goal, Cincinnati carried the one goal edge into the first intermission.

In a penalty filled second period, the Everblades exploded for four unanswered goals; Rookie Rocco Carzo scored back-to-back shorthanded goals in a three-minute stretch to push his team ahead with not even six minutes gone. Then, Matthew Pistilli and Maury Edwards lit the lamp at 9:58 and 15:46 respectively to extend Florida’s cushion to 4-1 after 40 minutes.

Just 22 seconds into the final stanza, Pistilli came up with another strike as Mathieu Roy fed him in the low slot and slammed the puck into the net – making it 5-1. The Everblades went on to win by the same score.

The Cyclones Radio Network Stars of the Game are as follows:

First Star: Rocco Carzo (2 goals, 1 assist for Florida)
Second Star: Matthew Pistilli (2 goals for Florida)
Third Star: Maury Edwards (1 goal for Florida)

Cincinnati will close out its road portion of the 2012-13 regular season tomorrow night when they visit the Orlando Solar Bears at 3:00pm. Fans can hear all the action of the game from the Amway Center on the Cyclones Radio Network (FM 100 The FAN, America One, CyclonesHockey.com) beginning at 2:40pm.

The Cyclones will return to the ice at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday, March 29 when they host the Evansville IceMen at 7:30pm! The game will also feature Cincinnati’s Largest Fish Fry! Call 513.421.PUCK or visit CyclonesHockey.com to reserve your seats! Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).

Click here for tonight's box score.