'Blades Rally Late for OT Win; Take 2-1 Series Lead

ELMIRA, NY – A.J. Jenks scored 11 seconds into overtime to lift the Florida Everblades to a2-1 overtime win over the Elmira Jackals in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at First Arena Wednesday night.

It took just ten seconds for the teams renew their hostilities as the Everblades Shawn O’Donnell and Elmira’s Ben Blood battled it out in a spirited fight to set the tone of the game.

Following the fight, Elmira controlled play early outshooting the ‘Blades 16-8 in the opening period.  Florida goaltender Jesse Deckert turned aside several Elmira scoring opportunities to keep the game scoreless after 20 minutes played.

After a scoreless first period, it took the Jackals just 49 seconds in second frame.  Louie Caporusso carried the puck to the bottom of the left wing circle, and sent a pass across to Chaz Johnson at right side of the crease. Johnson shoved the puck into the open net on the backside to give the Jackals the 1-0 lead.

Florida outshot the Jackals 15-6 in the second period, but goaltender Ian Keserich stopped everything the ‘Blades threw his way to keep the Jackals ahead 1-0 after two periods.

Keserich continued to keep the puck out of the net for a majority of the third period.  Florida received a power play with 1:24 remaining in regulation.  Mike Ratchuk picked the puck off the boards at the blue line and hurled a shot toward the net which clipped past a screened Keserich to tie the game at 1-1.    Ratchuk’s goal forced overtime.

Florida carried its momentum into the extra session scoring the game winning goal just 11 seconds into overtime. A.J. Jenks carried the puck into the zone and spun around attempted to send the puck to Ratchuk across the ice. However, the puck made its way toward the net and slipped by the right pad of Keserich and into the net for the game winner.  The goal was Jenks’ first of the postseason, and secured a 2-1 overtime victory for the Everblades.

Deckert earns the win stopping 28 of 29 shots, while Keserich drops an impressive effort, allowing two goals on 42 shots faced.

The two teams will meet again in Game 4 on Friday at First Arena.  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

#4 Florida Everblades vs. #5 Elmira Jackals (Floirda leads 2-1)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 at 7:05 p.m. ET at ElmiraGame 5 – Saturday, April 13 at 7:05 p.m. ET at ElmiraGame 6 – Monday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Florida (If Necessary)Game 7 – Wednesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Florida (If Necessary)

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.

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

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