Blades Season Ends Early

ESTERO, FL – The post-season ended too early for the Florida Everblades.   High hopes for another chance at the coveted Kelly Cup were dashed up in Kalamazoo last night.
The Kalamazoo Wings fought back after losing the first game of the series in Florida on Tuesday night.   A very tight game, the Blades took the early lead in the set, winning 2-1. After the first win, it was all Kalamazoo.   They took over the reins and never looked back.
The first two games of the best-of-five series in the first round were played at Germaine Arena in Florida.   Tuesday 4/5/11 was the series opener, where the Blades took early control and led the series 1-0.   Wednesday 4/6/11 was the second game of the series when the Blades felt the wrath and determination of the K-Wings as they were dominated losing 4-1.
The last three games (although only two were needed) were to be played in Kalamazoo.   Friday 4/8/11 was tight once again, but the K-Wings took that one with a 4-3 final score.   Saturday 4/9/11 proved to be the season ender for the Blades as the K-Wings finished them off 5-3.
The Florida Everblades have made it to the post-season every year since their inception in the 1998-1999 season.   They made it to the Kelly Cup Finals twice: 2004 (against the Idaho Steelheads) and 2005 (against the Trenton Titans).   They have not won the cup – yet.
The Kalamazoo Wings will advance to the second round of the ECHL Kelly Cup playoffs.   Their next opponent is yet to be determined.
Contact the writer: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com