Jackals Close Florida Trip with Third Game Against Everblades

December 10, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


Game 22: Elmira Jackals (5-12-4-0) vs. Florida Everblades (15-3-1-2)

7:00 p.m., Germain Arena, Estero, Florida

The Jackals conclude their three-game trip to Florida with the final game of the series against the Everblades tonight at Germain Arena . It's the third of five head-to-head matches between the teams in 2016-17, which will feature two matches at First Arena in late February.

Florida enters with three straight wins and points in seven of their last 10 games (5-3-0-2) to maintain first place in the South Division with 33 points. They opened the season with points in the first 13 games (10-0-1-2) before they lost for the first time in regulation Nov. 22.

The Jackals have lost three straight games, including two in regulation to the Everblades, falling to 5-12-4-0 on the season and 1-6-3-0 on the road. Elmira has lost their last eight road games after a win against Adirondack Oct. 25. The Jackals travel to Manchester for two against the Monarchs next weekend to finish a six-game road trip.

Broadcast Coverage

Jackals Pregame at 6:45 p.m. Radio: 1410 WELM; TV: WETM-2

Last time out

Matt Skoff and the Florida Everblades got the better of Andy Iles and the Jackals in a 1-0 goaltender battle last night at Germain Arena.

The two goalies exchanged saves through the first two periods, with Iles stopping 19 shots in the first two periods and Skoff turning aside 18 shots, keeping the game scoreless into the third period.

The Everblades broke the ice 2:55 into the third period on a shorthanded goal by Michael Ferrantino, giving Skoff the only goal support he needed . The Jackals would come up empty on seven power plays, including two 5-on-3 advantages in the third period, and lose, 1-0, for their second loss three days against Florida.

Scouting the Everblades

The Everblades enter tonight's match with three straight wins and five wins in their last 10 games, moving to 15-3-1-2 on the season. With 33 points, they lead the South Division by five points over the Orlando Solar Bears and they have one game in hand on their state rival. The lead the Eastern Conference and are just a point behind Toledo for the top record in the ECHL. At 8-0-1-2, they are the only team without a regulation loss on home ice this season.

Offensively the Everblades are led by Michael Kirkpatrick, who has 22 points (7g, 15a) following a four-point game, including a hat trick, against the Jackals Wednesday night. John McCarron (10g, 12a) also has 22 points and Matt Berry (7g, 14a) is third with 21 points, while five players have at least 20 points.

In net, Anthony Peters has seen the majority of the action for Florida, appearing in 14 of their 20 games. He has a 10-3-0-1 record with a 3.16 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage. Rookie Matt Skoff made his first start with the Everblades last night and earned his first pro shutout, stopping 30 Jackals shots for the win .

Head-to-head

Tonight is the third of five matches between the Everblades and Jackals in 2016-17, with the two teams squaring off twice in Elmira in late Februray.

Wednesday night, Brendan O'Donnell and Matt Berry both had five points games (1g, 4a), which led the Everblades in their 7-4 win against the Jackals. Michael Kirkpatrick had four points, including a hat trick in the third period. Those three players were held without a point last night, but remain the leading scorers in the season series.

The teams played just twice last season, with Florida winning both games at Germain Arena, with one game being decided in a shootout.

Special teams

The Everblades went 0-for-6 on the power play last night and they are now 21st in the league with the man advantage at 9-for-73 (12.3%). The 0-for-6 night also bumped them down to 6-for-46 (13.0%) on home ice .

The Jackals power play had seven opportunities last night, the most they've had in a game since they had eight in the season opener Oct. 15 vs. Reading. Elmira ended the night 0-for-7, coming up empty on two brief 5-on-3 opportunities. On the season the Jackals are now 12-for-64 (18.8%), which is 10th in the ECHL. The Jackals also allowed a shorthanded goal for the third time in the last four games .

Florida's penalty kill was the difference last night, going 7-for-7 and producing their fourth shorthanded goal of the season. Overall the Everblades are ninth in the ECHL at 85.5% (59-for-69), but that number jumps to 92.3% (36-for-39) on home ice, which ranks second in the ECHL behind Fort Wayne .

Elmira's penalty kill faced six power plays last night, matching a season high. The Jackals successfully killed off all six man advantages and they are now 25-for-28 (89.3%) over the last six games. The Jackals are now 16th in the ECHL on the penalty kill at 82.9% (58-for-70) .

Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call (607) 734-7825 or visit jackalshockey.com to order your season tickets today!

Follow the Jackals at www.jackalshockey.com, on Facebook, Twitter (@JackalsHockey) and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call (607) 734-7825 or visit http://www.jackalshockey.com/groups/.

Officially licensed Elmira Jackals replica team jerseys, apparel and headwear can be purchased online at: http://www.jackalshockey.com/

# # #

Upcoming Games:

Saturday, December 10th: Elmira Jackals at Florida Everblades - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 16th: Elmira Jackals at Manchester Monarchs - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 17th: Elmira Jackals at Manchester Monarchs - 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 22th: Elmira Jackals vs. Adirondack Thunder - 7:05 p.m.

Friday, December 23rd: Elmira Jackals vs. Manchester Monarchs - 7:05 p.m.

Elmira Jackals, 155 N. Main St., Elmira, NY 14901

SafeUnsubscribe™

Forward this email | Update Profile | About our service provider

Sent by favale@firstarena.com in collaboration with

Try it free today



ECHL Stories from December 10, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central