'Blades Capture Series 4-1; Clinch Berth in Eastern Conference Finals
Published on April 20, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release
ESTERO, FL- Mathieu Roy's goal with a 1:59 remaining in regulation propelled the Florida Everblades to 2-1 victory over the Elmira Jackals in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Friday night at Germain Arena. Florida clinches the Eastern Conference Semifinal series four games to one, and will head to the conference finals for the first time since 2007.
After a scoreless first period, the Jackals got on the board courtesy of their NHL veteran. Following a shot by Mike Radja, Craig Rivet picked up the rebound just outside the crease and flipped a shot that sailed high over Florida Goalie Pat Nagle's glove and gave the Jackals a 1-0 lead.
Florida tied the game up halfway through the third period. Ryan Donald received the puck at the point and fired a quick wrist shot only to be deflected by Elmira goaltender Brian Stewart. Cedric McNicoll raced to the loose puck and quickly and slid the puck behind Stewart on the shortside.
The game looked like it might be headed for overtime, but the Blades offense began applying heavy offensive pressure, outshooting the Jackals 19-4 in the final period. Their efforts paid off, and eventually turned into a goal with less than two minutes remaining. Sebastian Piche received the puck at the point and quickly fired off a wrist shot. Mathieu Roy redirected the puck into the net past Stewart from the top of the crease to give the Blades a 2-1 lead with 1:59 remaining.
For the final two minutes of the game, the Everblades successfully played keep away, to secure the 2-1 victory over the Elmira Jackals.
The Everblades offense outshot the Jackals 43-19 in the game. Brian Stewart stopped 41 of those shots while Pat Nagle only allowed one on 19 shot attempts. Three times in the series the Jackals finished games with 19 shots.
Florida will now await the winner of the Kalamazoo--South Carolina conference semifinal series which is currently led by Kalamazoo 3-1. The two teams will meet again tomorrow at the North Charleston Coliseum beginning at 7:05 p.m. Once the series is concluded, please check www.floridaeverblades.com for a complete schedule for the Eastern Conference Finals.
Tickets for the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals may be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or the Capital Bank Box Office at Germain Arena. The Capital Bank Box Office is open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fans may also call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or order online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Playoff ticket packages are also on sale, to purchase, or more information regarding playoff ticket packages call 239-948-7825.
ECHL Stories from April 20, 2012
- 'Blades Capture Series 4-1; Clinch Berth in Eastern Conference Finals - Florida Everblades
- Jackals' Playoff Run Ends in Game 5 Loss - Elmira Jackals
- South Carolina Defeats Kalamazoo 4-1 in Game Four - Kalamazoo Wings
- Higgins, Machesney Lead Stingrays Past Wings 3-1 in Game Five - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL Transactions - April 20 - ECHL
- Goaltender Daren Machesney Returns to Stingrays - South Carolina Stingrays
- Game Preview (Game 4): Stockton Thunder (#5) Vs. Alaska Aces (#1) - Stockton Thunder
- Jackals Playoff Game Preview: Elmira at Florida - Elmira Jackals
- Stingrays Kelly Cup Quest Daily - South Carolina Stingrays
- Stingrays Gameday: Stingrays Battle Wings in Game Four Tonight - South Carolina Stingrays
- ECHL Today - April 20 - ECHL
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