'Blades Edge Thunder in Game 3 to Take 2-1 Series Lead

Photo Credit: Andy Camp

GLENS FALLS, NY – John McCarron’s goal early in the third period lifted the Florida Everblades to a 3-2 victory over the Adirondack Thunder in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Cool Insuring Arena Wednesday evening. Florida leads the best-of-seven series 2-1.

BOX SCORE

VIDEO:  Game 3 Highlights

The Everblades converted on their first power play of the game at 6:09 of the opening frame.  Sam Warning raced to the point to keep the puck in the offensive zone and saucered a short pass to Gus Young at the center point.  Young took a couple of strides to the high slot and wristed a shot past a screened Drew Fielding for the game’s first goal.

Florida struck again just 1:42 later when Logan Roe delivered a shot from the point that clipped just above Fielding’s right pad to extend the lead to 2-0.  The ‘Blades ended the period on their second power play of the game, but were unable to convert and took the two-goal edge into the first intermission.

Adirondack flipped the script in the second, scoring just 59-seconds into the period. Ryan Schmelzer raced into the corner for the puck and delivered a backhanded pass to a wide-open Terrance Wallin at the right circle.  Wallin sniped a shot in the short side corner just above Martin Ouellette’s glove to put the Thunder on the board.

Just under four minutes later, the Thunder struck again on a scoring chance finished off by Schmelzer.  Schmelzer broke toward the front of the net from the left wing and fluttered a soft shot that clipped off the arm of Ouellette and into the net to tie the game at 2-2.

The Everblades then got into penalty trouble in the middle frame, but successfully killed off four consecutive penalties to leave the score knotted at two apiece at the second intermission.

Florida’s efforts to hang on in the second period, paid big dividends early in the third, as the team reclaimed the lead just 1:42 into the final frame.  John McCarron delivered a cross-crease pass to Sam Warning who delivered a quick shot that was stopped by Fielding.  However, the rebound bounced to Spencer Smallman in front.  Smallman’s took a quick shot that hit the stick of McCarron on its way into the back of the Adirondack net to pull the Everblades back in front 3-2.

The Everblades kept the Thunder in-check for the remainder of the period, with good pressure in the offensive zone, and limiting Adirondack to just five third period shots to secure the 3-2 win.

Martin Ouellette earned the win stopping 29 of 31 shots, while Fielding takes the loss allowing three goals on 26 shots faced.

The two teams will meet again on Friday for Game 4 at the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.  Fans can catch the game broadcast on  99.3 FM ESPN Radio, or online at 993espn.com

GAME WATCH PARTIESThere will be watch parties for games 4 & 5 of the series this Friday and Saturday. Friday's watch party will take place at the Breakaway Sports Pub located at Germain Arena.  Game time is 7:00 p.m. and doors will open at 6:00 p.m.  Food and drink specials will be available.   Saturday's Game 5 can be viewed at Bokampers located at Coconut Point in Estero.  Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. but the party begins at 6:00 p.m.

2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs Schedule – Eastern Conference FinalsBest-of-Seven Series (Florida leads 2-1)

Game 1:  Friday, May 11, Adirondack - 3 at FLORIDA - 4 Game 2:  Saturday, May 12, ADIRONDACK - 3 at Florida - 2 (OT)Game 3:  Wednesday, May 16, FLORIDA - 3 at Adirondack - 2Game 4:  Friday, May 18, Florida at Adirondack, 7:00 p.m. (Cool Insuring Arena)Game 5:  Saturday, May 19, Florida at Adirondack, 7:00 p.m. (Cool Insuring Arena)Game 6:  Monday, May 21, Adirondack at Florida, 7:30 p.m. (Germain Arena)** Game 7:  Wednesday, May 23, Adirondack at Florida, 7:30 p.m. (Germain Arena)**** If Necessary

Ticket Information

2018-19 Ticket Packages are Currently on Sale!  Full season as well as flexible partial plans are available. These packages will best fit your schedule and budget!  To view pricing and benefits of all available ticket packages CLICK HERE 

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price!  Group tickets are available for all home games. Fundraising opportunities are also available. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades offices at Germain Arena Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Purchase Single Game Playoff Tickets at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or online via Ticketmaster by CLICKING HERE

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes###