ESTERO, FL – Many people felt that this was a pivotal game in the series, even though it was only the second game. If the Everblades won tonight, the consensus was that they would win the series. A loss was essentially the kiss of death.
The ‘Blades did rebound from their Friday night loss to even the series with South Carolina 1-1. Although Florida did win 4-3, they were ahead in the third period by three goals. They played soft the last five minutes, losing control and almost got themselves into deep trouble.
In the first period the Blades and Stingrays both came out skating on the ice confident and strong. Florida was the more physical of the two clubs, especially with hard-checking Brad Herauf back in their line-up.
The Blades sat back again part of the period and followed the lead of their captain, Kevin Baker. Baker was a major force in the regular season, breaking a number of ECHL and Everblades scoring records. It looked as though he was in for another tough game. It was time for their leader to step up – and step up he did tonight.
The period ended scoreless even though South Carolina maintained strong and focused play, out-shooting Florida 10-7. It would be David Leggio’s netminding skill which kept Florida in the game once again.
The ‘Blades started off pressuring Jonathon Boutin in the second period in the net when a give-away allowed the Stingrays a chance to score. South Carolina’s Pierre-Luc O’Brien opened the scoring at 2:04 assisted by Trent Campbell. The ‘Blades have allowed the opposing team to score first in every game of this year’s playoffs so far.
A power play opportunity for the Blades was capitalized on with Kevin Baker coming alive receiving a great pass from Ernie Hartlieb and Peter Metcalf at 3:23 of the period. Florida had another quick power play chance and finally took the lead with a quick goal by Mathieu Roy at 5:14, assisted by Milan Gajic and Baker.
Florida’s two goals seemed to rattle the Stingrays and they took some unnecessary frustration penalties, giving Florida over a minute of five-on-three advantage. Unfortunately, Florida was unable to take advantage, but went to the break, finally leading the Stingrays this series, 2-1.
The Blades exploded in the third period with Andrew Sweetland adding another goal at 2:08 with assists by Mark Lee and Baker. This was definitely the best game for Baker in the post-season and the team followed his lead. Baker’s three-point effort of the night was a big boost and helped lead the way to his team’s victory.
Florida kept the pressure on with seven shots on goal in just over four minutes. Another goal, which ended up being the game-winner, was scored by Milan Gajic at 7:45, with Yannick Tifu and Metcalf providing the assists.
With Florida ahead 4-1, the comfortable feel of the lead let them slide back and become soft in their play. A pair of South Carolina goals in the final three minutes almost forced another overtime.
O’Brien scored his second goal of the night late in the third at 17:32, with Johann Kroll and Campbell helping out.
A very late Blades penalty put South Carolina on a power play with Nate Kiser scoring unassisted at 19:01.
The Stingrays cut Florida’s lead to just one goal with 59 seconds left in the game. They displayed an amazing effort as they peppered Leggio with shots, many of them good opportunities, but Florida survived a scary last minute and pulled out a 4-3 victory.
At the end of the game you could tell these are two very evenly matched teams. Both are very skilled, fast and physical. Whichever team can rattle the other into taking unnecessary penalties of frustration could manipulate the outcome of the series. This is truly a series of mental as well as physical will.
The teams have a long lay-over in that they do not play again for six days. The next game is Friday May 1 at the North Charleston Coliseum.
Contact the author at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com
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