ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades took the lead in the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, in a come-from-behind victory over the Gwinnett Gladiators. Although Florida is now leading the series 1-0, this was a game with the feel of a roller coaster, lots of ups and downs for both teams. Florida had to fight from behind in order to win, something they have had practice with.
The first period was all ‘Blades as they overpowered the Gladiators and went to the break leading 2-0. The first Florida goal came on a 5-on-3 advantage. Doug O’Brien scored at 5:53 and play was steady for the rest of the period until Ross Carlson put the ‘Blades up 2-0 with a late goal at 17:28.
The second p eriod was all Gwinnett, until the final 90 seconds. The ‘Blades lost their edge and took a number of undisciplined penalties handing over the power to Gwinnett allowing them to dictate the play. Florida got into trouble by allowing them to score three power play goals in the first 14 minutes of the period. Tom Zanoski scored for Gwinnett at 2:20 while Brandon Kalenicki connected at 12:40 and Pat Bateman scored with a 5-on-3 advantage at 14:08. With 90 seconds left in the second, Florida came up with a miraculous power boost of momentum to not only tie the game, but go to the locker room with the lead back in place. Jacob MicFlikier scored to tie the game, giving the Blades new life. They took the lead back for good when Mark Lee scored a wrap-around goal just as the buzzer sounded. The arena was alive with excitement and the ‘Blades had new life breathed into them.
Florida took the momentum through most of the third period, holding Gwinnett to just two shots on goal over the first 14 minutes. An insurance goal w as scored by Andrew Sweetland at 9:58 to give the Blades a 5-3 lead.
The final five minutes gave Gwinnett a real chance at recovery as the ‘Blades had back-to-back minor penalties during the final five minutes. However, the ‘Blades played strong and would not let Gwinnett back in the game. Florida is a strong team with all the pieces in place to actually win the Cup this year, instead of standing at the altar as a bridesmaid again. However, they still need to work at keeping thing together for a full 60 minutes.
They still are over passing on power plays, having attention lapses on scoring opportunities and lack some discipline on staying out of the penalty box. If Florida can play their game for 60 minutes they will be a hard team to beat.
Notes This is the second time the Everblades and Gladiators have met in the post season. Their previous meeting was during the 2006 playoffs when Gwinnett eliminated the Blades in the Division finals. This is the 11th consecutive playoff run for the Blades with their current streak the longest among current ECHL teams.
Florida welcomed the return of defenseman Jonathon Paiement. The ‘Blades await the return of Brad Herauf, Yannick Tifu and Anton Khudobin who are all in the AHL on recall. Last night goalie David Leggio was backed up by Adrien LeMay. LeMay was an emergency back-up who was holding open the position for Khudobin.
Contact the author at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com
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