Perkovich, Bajkov tally in return to Estero
BY: Jordan Kuhn, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
ESTERO, Fla. — Former Florida Everblades forwards Nathan Perkovich and Patrick Bajkov led the way against their former club as the Greenville Swamp Rabbits gutted out a 5-3 win at Hertz Arena on Friday night. It was the Swamp Rabbits’ first win over Florida since February 2, 2018.
While the Swamp Rabbits conceded the opening goal just nine seconds in on a fluky bounce, they rebounded in the second period, which was arguably their best period of hockey this season.
Down 2-1, the Swamp Rabbits fired 13 shots on net, and struck for two late goals. Matt Marcinew finished off a rush chance created by Perkovich by stashing in a rebound opportunity, and two minutes later, Perkovich converted on a centering feed from Mason Baptista to go from behind to in front in a hot second.
Florida found a way to make it interesting late by drawing three Greenville penalties in the final ten minutes. Brandon Fortunato unleashed a slap shot from the point, which revitalized an abysmal Everblades power play to cut Greenville’s lead to 4-3.
Adam Larkin, however, put the finishing touches on the game, down 6-on-4. Perkovich cut off a pass into the slot, dropped the puck off to Larkin, who had no fear of icing the puck while shorthanded, and hit the net dead center to put the game away.
The lead would not have been possible without the contribution of Greenville’s power play in the third period. Penalties by John McCarron and Michael Neville put them up 5-on-3, and Liam Pecararo set up Michael Pelech for his sixth goal of the season to add insurance.
Bajkov’s tally in the first period responded to Hugo Roy’s opening goal, and it snapped a ten-game goal drought. Florida held the lead after one period of play, and it was the last time they held the lead.
Ryan Bednard won back-to-back starts with 32 saves on the night. His continual frustration of the ‘Blades’ top scorers was key in the win.
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits look to sweep the Florida Everblades on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Catch all of the action on the Swamp Rabbits Broadcast Network and ECHL.TV.
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