Blades Clinch ECHL Playoff Spot

ESTERO, FL – OK, one level of pressure is off. The Florida Everblades are the first ECHL team to grab a coveted spot in the playoffs. This is the earliest that Florida has ever qualified for post-season play. Although playing in the post-season is never a given, the Blades expect to do so every season – and they have. Since their inception in 1998, they have succeeded in extending their season each year including two trips to the Kelly Cup Finals (2003-04, losing to the Idaho Steelheads and 2004-05, losing to the Trenton Titans). With still 13 games left in the regular season, Florida holds the best record in the league at 40-16-1-2 (83 points), 14 points ahead of the second place South Carolina Stingrays. However, their sights are now set on loftier goals: (1) Remaining first in the South Division to get home ice advantage in the playoffs (2) Remaining first overall to earn the Brabham Cup (Florida earned it for the 1999-00 season with 108 points) (3) Making the Kelly Cup finals (4) Winning the elusive Kelly Cup. As mentioned, the Blades have been bridesmaids to the Cup twice before. If they can make it to the finals this year, they’re hoping that the third time is the charm. With about a month left in the regular season, here is our assessment of the Florida Everblades. STRENGTHS: This year’s Everblade’s team is one of the most skilled teams we have seen yet. While they have some areas of their game to improve upon, their strengths are impressive.

1– GOALTENDING – The strong tandem team of rookie David Leggio and Anton Khudobin have kept the Blades in many games that could have been lost. Leggio is 22-6-1-0 with 4 shutouts, 2.24 GAA (goals against average), and .915 save percentage. Khudobin is 18-10-0-1, and has 4 shutouts, 2.71 GAA, and .907 save percentage. Leggio leads the league in GAA while Khudobin is near the top as well in seventh. 2- Shots on goal – Florida has been pummeling the opposing net with a shots-per-game average of almost 40 per game while allowing an average of only 27. 3- Special Teams – Florida’s PP (power play) and PK (penalty kill) are both near the top of the league. Their overall PP record is third overall at 21.4 percent (first place is Trenton with 22.1 percent); while the PK is also third at 86.9 percent (first place is Alaska at 89.4). 4-Physical Presence – All of Florida’s defensemen are big boys, averaging over 6 foot, 200 plus pounds. Patrick Bordeleau is one of their main enforcer’s standing at an intimidating 6 foot 6 inches tall, and 230 pounds of steel. KEY PLAYERS: Captain Kevin Baker is the league leader in most scoring categories: 1^st in total points (83 points in 56 games), 1^st in goals scored (47), 1^st in PP goals (22), 1^st in PP points (40), 1^st in SOG’s (272) and 1^st in game winning goals (10). There is absolutely no doubt that Baker is the definitive leader of the Florida Everblades and should finish the season as a league MVP candidate. Peter Metcalf, defense, is a special teams expert out on the ice, excelling in both PP and PK. He is in the 2^nd in the leauge in PP assists (23) and is tied for 1^st in points by a defenseman (49). Milan Grajic is a newcomer to Florida with only 10 games under his belt. However, he has made an immediate impact by scoring 4 goals and 7 assists (11 points). KEYS TO SUCCESS First and foremost the Blades must remain consistent. The yo-yo syndrome they have experienced in the past will only help to ensure another premature post-season departure. Their passing must continue to improve so that it is crisp and is above all, accurate. It has been a weakness in the past. Quick starts are a must as is playing a full 60 minute game. The past few games Florida has come out hungry and ready to play. They must continue to play hard for all three periods. Penalties have also been a concern this season. The Everblades are the fourth most penalized team in the league. In summary, if Florida can continue to improve on their strengths, come out strong from the start of a game, and be ready to play a full 60 minutes game, they may be able to trade in all of those bridesmaid’s bouquets for the Kelly Cup. Contact the author at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com