Adirondack Thunder Defeat Atlanta Gladiators 4–3 in Shootout, Complete Series Sweep
The Adirondack Thunder defeated the Atlanta Gladiators 4–3 in a shootout Monday afternoon at Gas South Arena, completing a three-game series sweep.
The game marked Atlanta’s first shootout appearance of the season. Despite a two-goal performance from captain Cody Sylvester, the Gladiators were unable to secure the win after overtime and the deciding shootout.
Goaltender T.J. Semptimphelter started in net for Atlanta, while Jeremy Brodeur got the start for Adirondack.
Sylvester Opens Scoring
Atlanta came out with strong offensive pressure in the first period, a shift from the slower starts earlier in the series.
Sylvester opened the scoring at the 12:20 mark of the period, giving the Gladiators a 1–0 lead. The Thunder responded shortly afterward when Sean Olson scored to tie the game.
Atlanta successfully killed a penalty late in the period and carried momentum into the intermission after Jacob Graveswas assessed a double-minor for high-sticking.
Thunder Take Lead, Atlanta Responds
The Gladiators began the second period with time remaining on the power play but were unable to capitalize.
Adirondack took the lead at 5:50 of the period when Michael Herrera scored his first goal of the season.
Atlanta continued to pressure Brodeur throughout the period and eventually broke through again when Sylvester scored his second goal of the game at 15:27, tying the score at 2–2.
The Gladiators dominated the shot count in the period, outshooting the Thunder 17–7.
Scardina, Cipollone Give Atlanta Lead
Both teams entered the third period tied and looking for the go-ahead goal.
Atlanta was unable to convert on two power-play opportunities following penalties to Tag Bertuzzi and Luke Reid.
The Gladiators eventually broke through at 14:19 when Ethan Scardina set up Joey Cipollone in front of the net, giving Atlanta a 3–2 lead.
Adirondack responded late in the period when Chase McLane scored a shorthanded goal to tie the game and force overtime.
Shootout Decides the Game
The teams remained scoreless during overtime, sending the game to a shootout.
Brannon McManus opened the shootout for Adirondack but was stopped by Semptimphelter. Chad Nychuk then scored for Atlanta to give the Gladiators an early advantage.
Bertuzzi answered for the Thunder to tie the shootout. Ryan Nolan missed his attempt for Atlanta, and Semptimphelter later stopped Alex Campbell to keep the score even.
Rookie Kalan Lind had an opportunity to secure the win for Atlanta but could not convert. Adirondack’s Patrick Grassothen scored, giving the Thunder the advantage.
Alex Young attempted the final shot for Atlanta but was unable to beat Brodeur, sealing the victory for Adirondack.
Up Next
The Gladiators will travel to face the South Carolina Stingrays on Friday night in North Charleston, South Carolina as they begin a three-game road trip.
