Stingrays Blanked in Game 1 by Florida, 3-0
Published on May 8, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release
ESTERO, FL - In Game 1 of the South Division Finals, the South Carolina Stingrays were shut out by the Florida Everblades, 3-0, on Friday night at Hertz Arena.
Florida, who scored first in all four games in its first-round sweep, opened the scoring in Game 1. Hudson Elynuik won a faceoff to Anthony Romano who beat South Carolina netminder Garin Bjorklund high glove side to give the Everblades a 1-0 lead.
Bjorklund was tested early in the first period, seeing 16 shots, saving 15, keeping the deficit at one through 20 minutes of play.
Early in the second, Justin Nachbaur and Sean Allen dropped the gloves at center with Nachbaur sparking the Stingrays with a decisive win in the bout, but Florida went to the power play after Nachbaur had been called for a penalty prior to the tilt.
The Everblades struck quickly on the ensuing power play. Reid Duke let a shot go from the point that was deflected in the slot by Elynuik, doubling Florida's lead. The Stingrays could not find a response in the second as Bjorklund kept South Carolina in the game saving 26 shots over the first 40 minutes.
In the third, the Stingrays pressed to cut into the lead but could not figure out Florida netminder Cam Johnson. With Johnson sound in net, Romano knocked home a rebound with 8:10 remaining in the third, pushing Florida ahead, 3-0. Johnson made 22 saves on the night as he closed out the shutout win for the Everblades, taking Game 1, 3-0.
South Carolina trails Florida in the best-of-seven series, 1-0, with Game 2 on Saturday night. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. from Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida.
ECHL Stories from May 8, 2026
- Everblades Reignite Rivalry with Stingrays in South Division Finals - Florida Everblades
- Road to the Kelly Cup: South Division Finals - Florida Everblades
- Blades Shutout Stingrays 3-0 in Game 1 - Florida Everblades
- Stingrays Blanked in Game 1 by Florida, 3-0 - South Carolina Stingrays
- McAllister Delivers Overtime Heroics in Game One - Wheeling Nailers
- Mariners Drop Game 1 of North Finals in Overtime - Maine Mariners
- ECHL Transactions - May 8 - ECHL
- Kansas City Mavericks Announce Updated Playoff Venue Plans - Kansas City Mavericks
- Mavericks Open Mountain Division Finals at Home this Weekend against Allen Americans - Kansas City Mavericks
- Rush Named Finalist for Young Professional Best Place to Work - Rapid City Rush
- Jalen Luypen Returned on Loan by Hershey to South Carolina - South Carolina Stingrays
- Reading Royals 20th Annual Slapshot Charities Golf Tournament on Monday, October 13 - Reading Royals
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.
