Everblades' Season Ends with 5-2 Loss in Game 6

ESTERO, FL – Wayne Simpson and Derek DeBlois each scored twice to lead the South Carolina Stingrays to a 5-2 victory over the Florida Everblades in Game 6 of the East Division Finals Monday night at Germain Arena.  South Carolina wins the series 4-2, and advances to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Stingrays got on the board halfway though the first period on the power play.  Wayne Simpson directed a wrist shot that clipped off the blocker of Florida goaltender Daniel Altshuller and into the net.

South Carolina extended its lead to 2-0 at 9:35 of the second period, when Simpson delivered a pass in the slot to Andrew Rowe who snapped a shot high into the right corner of the goal.

Early in the third, Florida grabbed a goal to pull within one when Ray Kaunisto hurled a shot from low on the right wing circle that clipped past Stingrays netminder Jeff Jakaitis to put the score at 2-1.

However, just 30 seconds later Derek DeBlois chipped in a backhanded shot off a rebound to immediately put the Stingrays on top by two  3-1.

Florida continued to set up quality scoring chances in the third, but Jakaitis made several key saves to keep the puck out of the net and prevent an Everblades comeback bid.

DuBlois netted his second of the game at 9:40 to put the score at 4-1 as the Stingrays started to pull away.

The Everblades rolled the dice by pulling the goaltender to allow for the extra attacker, but Simpson feathered a shot from the neutral zone that found the open net to put the score at 5-1.  Simpson finished the game with two goals and two assists.

Mike Aviani scored a power play goal for the Everblades with 27 seconds remaining, but it would not be enough as the Stingrays take the game 5-2 and clinch the series 4-2.  South Carolina will face the winner of Wednesday’s Game 7 between Toledo and Fort Wayne.

Jakaitis earned the win stopping 30 of 32 shots, while Altshuller takes the loss allowing four goals on 28 shots faced.

The Everblades will now begin preparing for the 2015-16 season, which begins at home on October 16 against the Gwinnett Gladiators.  To view the full 2015-16 regular season schedule CLICK HERE 

2015-16 Ticket Packages:  Ticket packages for the 2015-16 season are now on sale! Full and partial tickets plans are available to fit your schedule and budget.  All packages save you money from the box office price and come loaded with 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.

2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs – East Division Finals,  Florida Everblades vs. South Carolina Stingrays (South Carolina wins series 4-2)

Game 1:  Fri., May 1, S. Carolina – 6  at Florida - 3 Game 2:  Sat., May 2, S. Carolina – 4  at Florida - 2 Game 3:  Tues., May 5, Florida - 2 at S. Carolina - 3 Game 4:  Wed., May 6, Florida - 2 at S. Carolina - 1 (3OT)Game 5:  Fri., May 8, Florida – 5  at S. Carolina – 4 (20T)Game 6:  Monday, May 11, S. Carolina - 5 at Florida - 2