'Blades Take Game 4 in Back-and-Forth Battle

ROY AND MACLEAN SCORE TWICE IN A BACK-AND-FORTH BATTLE

ELMIRA, NY – Brandon MacLean and Mathieu Roy each scored twice to lead the Florida Everblades to a 5-4 victory over the Elmira Jackals in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at First Arena Friday night. The win gives the Everblades a3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The Jackals once again stormed out the gates, assuming a 1-0 lead.  After a couple of dangerous scoring chances, the Jackals swung the puck to the point to Ryan Palmer. Palmer fired a shot which was redirected in front by Matt Carter for the goal at 1:19 of the first period.

Less than three minutes later, the Everblades netted the equalizer.  Brandon MacLean skated the puck out of his own end and into the Jackals zone.  MacLean immediately snapped a shot at the high slot which ripped past goaltender Ian Keserich for the game’s trying goal.

Florida took its first lead of the game with five minutes remaining in the opening period on the power play. Corey Trivino delivered a cross-ice pass to Matthew Pistilli who buried into the net on the backside to give the ‘Blades a 2-1 lead at the first intermission.

The Everblades added to their lead seven minutes into the second, as Mathieu Roy flipped a shot on goal in front, which clipped off the Keserich’s pad and then trickled across the goaline to put Florida on top 3-1.

Three minutes later, Elmira’s Andrew Rowe carried the puck to the net, and netminder Jesse Deckert attempted to the poke check the puck away. However, the puck bounced off of Rowe and to the crease, and Jean Bourbeau tapped the puck into the net to pull the Jackals within one.

Moments later, Jack Downing wristed a shot off the cross bar and down into the net for the Jackals goal, tying the game at three.

Elmira continued to ride the momentum on a power play chance two minutes later.  Jordan Pietrus one-timed a shot at the low circle which ripped past Deckert for the marker, giving the Jackals a 4-3 lead at the end of two periods played.

Florida got back on track in the third, as MacLean scored his second goal of the game at 2:13 of the final period.  Tommi Kivisto hurled a shot from the point which was fended off by Keserich. However,  MacLean was standing in front and jabbed the puck on the rebound into the net to tie the game at four.

Nearly four minutes later, Corey Trivino intercepted the puck in the slot and fired a quick shot on goal. Keserich made the save, but the rebound bounced right the stick of Roy who lifted a shot high on the shortside past the outstretched Elmira goaltender to pull the ‘Blades ahead 5-4.

Elmira knocked on the Everblades net with a flurry of shots in the final minute, but Deckert and company were able to keep the puck out to preserve the 5-4 victory.Deckert earns the win stopping 33 of 37 shots faced, while Keserich takes the loss allowing five goals on 37 shots.

The two teams will meet again in Game 5 on Saturday 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 (Florida leads 3-1)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 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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