ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades ended their last regular season weekend in fine style. Outscoring fierce division rivals, the Gwinnett Gladiators, by total goals scored of 10-5, gave them a pair of well-earned victories. Not to mention, a very important four points. The Bladed clinched the 5th seed in their conference and will face the Greenville Road Warriors in the first round of playoffs. This is the Florida’s fourteenth consecutive post season of play. They have never missed the playoffs since their inception in the 1998-1999 season.
The Blades and Warriors will meet on Monday April 2nd and Wed April 4th at Germain Arena in Estero, Florida. As this initial format is a “2-3” series, the next three games will be played in Greenville (as needed).
An interesting note to add is that the Florida Everblades played their 1000th game on Saturday March 24th – pretty impressive for a Florida team.
Florida played a solid pair this weekend, demonstrating that they are capable and hungry enough to be successful in the post season. Their defeat of the Gladiators pushed Gwinnett into the second seed position.
Friday’s game (3/30/12) – Florida defeated the Gladiators in a very fierce and physical battle to their victory. The final score was: Florida-5 / Gwinnett-3. Blades who posted a goal were: Cedric McNicoll, Brayden Irwin (2 goals), Matt Marquardt and Matt Becca. John Muse looked sharp tonight and stopped 30 of 33 shots on goal.
Saturday’s game (3/31/12) – Florida defeated the Gladiators with smart play and good communication on the ice. They looked like a team tonight, with improved passing, skating and good communication between players. The final score was: Florida-5 / Gwinnett-2.
The Blades who lit up the goal light were: Leigh Salters, Matt Marquardt, David Rutherford, Brayden Irwin and Mike Ratchuk. Tonight Pat Nagle looked sharp too, stopping 35 of a whopping 37 shots on goal.
The Blades look ready for the post season. Players to watch are: (F) Brayden Irwin (30 pts/36 games); (F) Matt Becca (60 pts/61 games); Scott Pitt (57 pts/62 games); Cedric McNicoll (31 pts/31games); and David Rutherford (54 pts/56 games). Don’t forget defenseman David Fisher, who is a great two-way player (58 pts/64 games).
The Blades will host the Greenville Road Warriors on Monday April 2nd at Germain Arena in the first game of the post season.
Is this finally Florida’s year?
Contact the writer at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com
