In three consecutive games against the Florida Everblades, the South Carolina Stingrays could have tied them for the division lead. Taking two out of three is not bad, but the Rays did fall short of overtaking Florida.
The Lowcontry’s own made Germain Arena boos go silent with three unanswered first period goals. Brett Cameron, Joe Devin (PP), and Stephan VIgier paved the way to victory after just 20 mintues of play. Maxime St. Cyr’s goal was all Mark Dekanich would allow through 60 minutes, stopping the other 24 shots.
David Pacan’s goal chased Anthony Peters from the crease for the home side while Caleb Herbert (PP) and Stephan Vigier slipped pucks past Rasmus Tirronen to seal the 6-1 scoreline.
Wade Epp and Pacan started Saturday’s rematch more the same as Wednesday, with two quick Stingrays goals in succession. Only this time, Florida responded with three of their own before the first intermission. Carter Snadlak, Brant Harris (PP), and Gabreil Desjardins beat Vitek Vanecek to gain a 3-2 advantage.
From there, it was all Rays. Vigier and Nick D’Agostino put the visitors back out in front and a third period empty-netter from Epp gave the Rays a 5-3 win.
Vanecek had to leave the game after taking a puck to the mask; Dekanich replaced him and stopped the remaining five Everblades shots. Vanecek was tended to by the medical staff and would return to the becnh as Dekanich’s backup for Sunday.
Defenses stood strong for both sides through two periods of play in the final matchup of the weekend. Only Kevin Lynch and Corey Cowick could score for either team as Florida went one game up on their South Carolina rivals for division supremacy.
NEXT WEEK
Friday will see the Rays take yet another road game in Atlanta before returning home against Adirondack on Saturday. Saturday’s home game is the Rays’ 10th annual Pink in the Rink to benefit Share Our Suzy and breast cancer research. In the nine years of the event, South Carolina has raised $224,000 through jersey auctions and other sales. The ice at North Charleston Coliseum will be pink for the occasion.
CURRENT STANDING
56 games played, 32-18-4-2 (W-L-OTL-SOL), 70 points, 2nd in South Division
