The Gladiators overcame a 3 goal deficit to defeat the Trenton Titans in regulation Sunday afternoon. It was the first time in team history Gwinnett has overcome that large of a point difference to win in regulation. It certainly did not come easy, though the action certainly got underway fast. Gwinnett opened the scoring with a goal 36 seconds into the game. But a mere 33 seconds later, the Titans tied things up with a quick goal of their own. The starting netminder for the Gladiators was Joe Palmer, but he was replaced by Ryan Zapolski after the score became 2-1 Titans at the 10:33 mark.
A powerplay goal near the end of the first and a goal at 3:30 in the second gave the Titans an impressive 4-1 lead. But the Gladiators did not give up. And they were able to even the game relatively quickly. By the time the teams headed into the locker room, Gwinnett had knotted up the score at 4-4.
And 4-4 it would remain until less than 5 minutes to go in regulation. Defenseman Corey Fienhage posted the game-winner for the Gladiators at 15:40 into the final period on a shot that deflected off a Trenton defender.
With division and conference leading Greenville Road Warriors off on Sunday, the Gladiators passed them in the standings to gain the top spot by one point. The two teams meet Tuesday in Greenville. Gwinnett has yet to defeat the Road Warriors at their BI-LO Center in Greenville, so this will be a crucial test for the Glads. Greenville has a game in hand over Gwinnett at this time.
Victory song!
