Gladiators Rally for Overtime Win, Defeat Ghost Pirates 2–1

The Atlanta Gladiators stayed hot on the road Saturday night, defeating the Savannah Ghost Pirates 2–1 in overtime, with Jack Matier scoring the game-winner with just 19.5 seconds left.

The Battle of Georgia was back on at Enmarket Arena, with Atlanta coming off a 5–2 win in Jacksonville the night before. Ethan Haider got the start in goal for the Gladiators, making his fifth appearance of the season, while Kirill Gerasimyuk started for Savannah.

Savannah struck first, as Matt Koopman converted a cross-crease feed from Nick Granowicz just 2:30 into the first period. The Ghost Pirates used their speed to create a dangerous odd-man rush, giving Koopman his second of the year. Atlanta responded 8:51 into the period when Alex Young worked the puck in the offensive zone to Chad Nychuk at the point. Nychuk’s shot was tipped home by Kalan Lind, marking his first professional goal and tying the game 1–1. Atlanta outshot Savannah 15–8 in the first period.

The second period was back-and-forth, but neither team could find the net. Both had power-play chances, but goaltenders held strong. Savannah outshot Atlanta 11–8 in the frame.

The third period saw more opportunities on the man advantage, but again, neither team could convert. Haider and Gerasimyuk kept the game tied 1–1 through regulation, with Savannah outshooting Atlanta 11–4 in the period.

Overtime delivered the drama fans came for. Savannah controlled much of the puck early, but Atlanta’s defense and Haider kept the game alive. With time running out, Isak Walther drew a penalty and sauced the puck cross-ice from the far corner to Alex Young, who found Jack Matier wide open in the slot. Matier buried it for his first goal of the season, giving Atlanta the thrilling 2–1 victory.

Haider stopped 30 of 31 shots, while Atlanta went 0-for-3 on the power play and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill. Savannah outshot Atlanta 32–31, with Gerasimyuk stopping 30 shots.

With the win, the Gladiators improve to 4–0 on the road and 8–1 overall. Atlanta will continue the road trip Friday night in Charleston against the South Carolina Stingrays.