Heard's Late Goal Propels Everblades to 4-3 Win in Game 2.

Photo Credit:  Standout Imagery 

LOVELAND, CO – Mitchell Heard’s dazzling goal with 36 seconds remaining in regulation, propelled the Florida Everblades to a 4-3 victory over the Colorado Eagles in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals at the Budweiser Events Center Sunday night.  The best-of-seven series is now tied at 1-1.

BOX SCORE

Watch GAME 2 HIGHLIGHTS

Just as they did in Game 1 of the series on Friday, the Eagles grabbed the first goal of the game on the power play.  Jake Marto batted at a puck that hit off the boards and redirected toward the Florida net.  Martin Ouellette guarded the post and attempted to cover up the puck, but the puck took a fortuitous bounce at the absolute last second and slipped past the arm of Ouellette for the goal.   Colorado took the 1-0 edge into the first break.

Florida evened up the score on the power play just 2:01 into the second period. Sam Warning showcased his speed as he blazed into the zone in the left wing side and raced past the defense before snapping a shot sharply past Colorado netminder Joe Cannata for the tying marker.

Nearly five minutes later, the ‘Blades took the lead on their second power play strike of the period.  Mitchell Heard set up Matt Mackenzie for a one-timer at the point.  Mackenzie delivered a screaming shot that ripped into the back of the net for the go-ahead marker.

Colorado battled back to tie game on a 5-on-3 power opportunity.   Matt Register’s point shot was blocked by Gus Young, but the puck bounced to Michael Joly at the right circle.  Joly feathered a shot that hit off the chest of Ouellette and bounced to the backside of the crease to J.C. Beaudin who easily tapped the puck into the net for the goal.   The two teams skated into the second intermission tied at 2-2.

Colorado reclaimed the lead at 5:24 of the third period on Jake Marto’s second of the game.  Matt Garbowsky rushed into the zone on the right wing and delivered the puck to Marto who jumped into the play at the slot.  Marto fired a shot that clipped off the inside of the post and into the net for the tally to give the Eagles a 3-2 lead.

Less than a minute later, the Everblades countered with a goal of their own.  Zack Kamrass delivered a shot that from the point that was tipped and redirected into the net by Stephen MacAulay for the tying goal.

Both teams exchanged several quality scoring chances for a remainder of a see-saw third period.   However, Florida grabbed the lead and the game on a highlight reel play by Mitchell Heard.  Heard stripped the puck from a Colorado winger on the boards and angled toward the front of the net.  Heard made a nifty deke move to shake off the defenseman and then patiently skated and deked across the top of the crease. Heard then roofed a backhand shot high in to the net on the right side with just 36 seconds remaining in regulation.  The goal would be enough, as Florida claimed the 4-3 victory to even up the series at 1-1.

The series will now shift to Southwest Florida for Games 3, 4 and 5 at Germain Arena.  Game  3 will take place on Wednesday (May 30).  Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. The first 2,500 fans will receive cowbells courtesy of Bud Light.

Game 4 of the series is set for Friday, June 1 while Game 5 will take place on Saturday (June 2) at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster or at the Florida Community Bank Box Office Located at Germain Arena.  The box office is open Monday thru Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  and on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. thru the start of game time.

2018 Kelly Cup Finals ScheduleAll times Eastern; Best-of-Seven Series (Series tied 1-1) 

Game 1:  Friday, May 25, Florida - 1 at COLORADO - 3Game 2:  Sunday, May 27, FLORIDA - 4 at Colorado - 3Game 3:  Wed., May 30, Colorado at Florida, 7:30 p.m. (Germain Arena) PURCHASE TICKETSGame 4:  Friday, June 1, Colorado at Florida, 7:30 p.m. (Germain Arena) PURCHASE TICKETSGame 5:  Saturday, June 2, Colorado at Florida 7:00 p.m. (Germain Arena) PURCHASE TICKETSGame 6:  Wednesday, June 6, Florida at Colorado, 9:05 p.m. (Budweiser Events Center)**Game 7:  Saturday, June 9, Colorado at Florida,  7:00 p.m. (Germain Arena)**** If Necessary——–

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###