Gameday Magazine: Royals at Everblades, April 9, 2014

Who: Florida Everblades (34-27-3-5, 76 pts, 4th South Division) vs. Reading Royal  (45-21-2-1, 93 pts, 1st Atlantic Division) Where: Germain Arena When: 7:30 p.m. Season Series: Florida leads 1-0 All-Time Series: Florida leads  13-8-1Radio: 98.1 FM The Island and FloridaEverblades.com, 7:20 pm pre-game Internet Radio: http://tunein.com/radio/WBGY-881-s42053/Smart Phone: TuneIn Radio (iOS & Android) Internet Television: http://www.americaonesports.com Promotions:  $2 Hot Dogs, $2 Bud Drafts, $2 Barefoot Wines all night long!  It is also College night!  Ladies get in free and guys get a $5 ticket when they present their College I.D. to the Capital Bank Box Office. 

ESTERO, FL – Tonight marks first of three crucial games this week for the Everblades who remain in ninth place of the Eastern Conference and continue to push for one of the top eight spots in the playoff race. Florida trails the eighth place Fort Wayne Komets (80 pts) by four points in the conference standings.    Reading has already locked up the top overall seed in the Eastern Conference, but has its eye on the ECHL’s Brabham Cup which is awarded to the team with the top regular season record.   The Everblades power play has been surging as of late, but will have to tend with the league top penalty kill unit on the Road in Reading (88.7%).

Tonight’s Playoff Scenarios:  Only one spot remains up for grabs in the Eastern Conference playoff picture Fort Wayne can lock up the final playoff spot in the conference tonight if the Everblades lose in regulation.  Should the ‘Blades lose in overtime or a shootout tonight, they would still remain alive, but would need to win their final two games while Fort Wayne would have to lose its final two remaining games in regulation.   Florida could potentially qualify for the playoffs with three regulation wins this week, and a loss and shootout win by Fort Wayne  Should this happen, both teams would finish with 82 points and would be tied with the first tiebreaker of total regulation/overtime wins at 32.  Things would then be decided by the second tiebreaker which is goal differential.  Heading into today’s game, Florida holds that advantage with a 13-goal advantage (that number could change as the week advances).

Key Players:  With an assist in Sunday’s game against South Carolina, the Philip-Michael Devos extended his point scoring streak to eight games. Devos has recorded 12 points (2g, 10a) during this current streak which began back on March 20… Ryan Cruthers leads the way for the Royals with 56 points (16g, 40a).

Upcoming Home Games & PromotionsTonight vs. Reading, 7:30 p.m. - Enjoy $2 Hot Dogs, $2 Bud Light Drafts, $2 Barefoot Wines at the concession stands all night long! College Night: Ladies get in free, guys can purchase a $5 ticket w/ College I.D.

Friday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. vs. Reading – Fan Appreciation Weekend opens, and fans will receive an Everblades Team Photo courtesy of FGCU and Direct impressions!  The Fur Circus will be performing throughout the night, so bring the kids!  There will also be a team awards ceremony prior to the game!Saturday, April 12, 7:00 p.m. vs. Greenville – Fan Appreciation Weekend Continues! Naples Daily News Rally Card giveaway, Westin Bed giveaway during 1st intermission, and auction of Everblades season worn jerseys (white jerseys) following the game!   McDonald’s Tailgate Party Starts at 5:00 p.m. – live music & bounce houses!Ticket InformationGame Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Capital Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.

2014-15 Ticket Packages are currently on sale! Full season and 12-game, and 24-game options are also available! All packages save you money from the box office price, and come with many great benefits.  For more information call  239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades Main Office located at Germain Arena, Monday—Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning.   ###