'Blades Capture Series with 7-2 Win in Game 6

ESTERO, FL – Adam Brace posted a four point night to help lead the Florida Everblades to a 7-2 victory over the Elmira Jackals in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Germain Arena. The Everblades win the best-of-seven series 4-2, and will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Reading Royals.

The ‘Blades were on fire the minute they hit the ice on Monday night. Three minutes into the first period, a faceoff win by Brayden Irwin was worked up to Maury Edwards who took a shot from the blue line. The puck hit the crossbar and flew into the net for a surprising first goal.

Less than a minute later, Florida went on the power play, but it was the Jackals who took the advantage early in the opportunity. Rob Bellamy took a shot, but was denied by Everblades goaltender Jesse Deckert. Jackals Forward Jordan Pietrus acquired the rebound, swung around Deckert at the crease, and slipped it into the net for the shorthanded goal to tie the game at one.

However, on the same power play, the ‘Blades grabbed the lead right back 22 seconds later.  Mathieu Roy picked up a rebound at the top of the crease and backhanded the puck past Jackals goaltender Maxime Clermont for the power play tally.  

Two minutes later, Brandon MacLean charged the net and passed the puck to a waiting Adam Brace at the right wing circle. Brace fired a shot into the.net and raised the score to 3-1.

Florida added to its lead at 9:22 of opening period.  Mike Ratchuk fielded the puck at the top of the slot, and delivered a no-look backhanded pass to Rutherford at the low circle.  Rutherford wristed the puck high past the glove of Clermont to give the ‘Blades a 4-1 lead after the first period of play.

The second period opened with an early goal from the Jackals Chaz Johnson. Louie Caporusso led a 2-on-1 rush into the zone and passed the puck across the slot to Johnson. Johnson snuck a shot on the shortside post past Deckert to pull Elmira within two.

Halfway through the second period, Adam Brace lifted the puck in front to Brandon MacLean who was able to direct it through the five-hole of Clermont to put the scored at 5-2.

The 'Blades were able to score one more goal before the second period came to an end on the power play. Elmira blocked a pass in front off a defender’s stick in front, but the puck bounced the backside of the net.  Roy pushed the puck to the net using one hand on the backside of Clermont to raise the score to 6-2 after two periods played.

The ‘Blades shut down the Jackals in the third posting a 12-4 shots on goal advantage. Nearly eight minutes in to final stanza, A.J. Jenks received a pass from Shawn O’Donnell, and lifted a backhanded shot into the net for the goal, to secure the 7-2 victory over the Jackals, and lock up the series four games to two.  

Deckert earned the win stopping 19 of 21 shots faced, while Clermont takes the loss allowing seven goals on 37 shots faced. 

Florida will now battle the top seeded Reading Royals in the Eastern Conference Semifinals beginning on Friday at the SovereignCenter in Reading, PA. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on 96 K-Rock (96.1 FM), or online at www.floridaeverblades.com  

The Following is complete schedule of the upcoming the best-of-seven series with Reading:

(1) Reading Royals v (4) Florida Everblades

Game 1:  Friday, April 19 at (7:05 pm)  at ReadingGame 2:  Saturday, April 20 (7:05 pm) at ReadingGame 3: Wednesday, April 24 (7:30 pm) at Florida  (Playoff Game D)Game 4: Friday, April 26  (7:30 pm)  at Florida   (Playoff Game E)Game 5  Saturday, April 27 (7:00 pm) at  Florida (If Necessary)Game 6:  Tuesday, April 30 (7:05 pm) at Reading (If Necessary)Game 7:  Wednesday, May 1 (7:05 pm) at Reading (If Necessary)

Tickets are now on sale for the second round of the playoffs. .Ticket Information: 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

Season ticket packages for the 2013-14 season are currently on sale. Call 239-948-7825 to speak to a sales representative about package options

The following is a listing of the final results of the Everblades Quarterfinal matchup with the Jackals.

(4) Florida Everblades vs.  (5) Elmira Jackals (Florida wins 4-1)Game 1 – Friday, April 5:   Elmira  - 1  at  Florida – 5Game 2 – Saturday, April 6:  Elmira  - 8 at Florida – 2Game 3 – Wednesday, April 10:  Florida  - 2 at Elmira – 1 (OT)Game 4 – Friday, April 12: Florida  - 5 at Elmira – 4Game 5 – Saturday, April 13: Florida - 1 at Elmira – 5Game 6 – Monday, April 15: Elmira – 2 at Florida – 4  

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