PREVIEW: 'Blades set to face Icemen in Jacksonville for Game 3

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Everblades aim to take control of their South Division Semifinal series with the Jacksonville Icemen when the two teams meet in Jacksonville for Game 3 on Thursday night, the first home playoff game in Jacksonville's franchise history. 

VITALS:DSF Game 3: Everblades at JacksonvilleWhen: 7 p.m. ETWhere: VyStar Veterans Memorial ArenaWatch: ECHL.tvListen: 99.3 FM ESPNSocial: Twitter | #FLAvsJAX

Last Time OutJohn McCarron and Kyle Platzer scored only one minute, 27 seconds apart in the first seven minutes of the first period and Jeremy Helvig made 18 saves to lead the Everblades to a 4-1 win over Jacksonville in Game 2 on Saturday at Hertz Arena. Jacksonville cut its deficit to just one with a goal by Cameron Critchlow halfway through the second period, but Logan Roe scored his first career playoff goal in his 35th career postseason game with 7:01 left in the game to help seal the victory. Blake Winiecki added a goal to complete a three-point game.BOX SCORE | RECAP 

Players to WatchJustin Auger (FLA) – The veteran forward posted a season-high three-point performance with three assists in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Icemen. Auger had a goal in the opening game of the series and leads all 'Blades players with four points through two playoff games. Though he only played in 23 games in the regular season, the Waterloo, Ontario, native was a consistent offensive force when he was in the lineup, recording 12 goals and 21 points. 

Cam Maclise (JAX) -  The second-year pro returned to Jacksonville this week following the end of the season for the Manitoba Moose, the Icemen's American Hockey League affiliate. Maclise split his season almost evenly between the AHL and ECHL, playing in 38 games for the Moose and 34 for the Icemen. The Camrose, Alberta, native posted two multi-goal games against the 'Blades in the regular season but was scoreless in the final three games against Florida. He had five total multi-point games in the regular season. 

Series historyIncluding the first two games of the series, Florida and Jacksonville have squared off 29 times over the last two seasons. The Everblades hold a 24-3-2 all-time record against the Icemen and posted a 9-3-1 mark against Jacksonville in the regular season this year. The home team had the upper hand in the regular season series, with Florida going 6-0-0 at Hertz Arena and Jacksonville compiling a 4-3-0 mark at Veterans Memorial Arena. 

Helvig in GoalRookie goaltender Jeremy Helvig shouldered a bulk of the workload down the stretch for Florida, appearing in 11 of the final 15 games of the regular season. He finished the regular season off with a 10-game unbeaten streak, posting a 9-0-0-1 record in 11 appearances from March 2-April 5. Entering Thursday, the Markham, Ontario, native has yielded less than three goals in nine of his last 12 starts. He allowed less than three goals in 22 of his 39 starts in the regular season. 

Five FiveThis past Saturday was the 22nd time this season Florida has scored a goal in the first five minutes of a game. When the 'Blades have found the back of the net that early, they have been a hard team to beat. The Everblades are 10-0-0 at home and 9-2-0-1 on the road when they strike in the first five minutes. Florida has scored in the first five minutes four times against Jacksonville this season. 

Scoring BreakdownFlorida has the edge in the goal-scoring margin in the season series and has recorded 19 more goals than Jacksonville in the 15 total meetings (50gf-31ga). The 'Blades have posted more than three goals in seven games against the Icemen and have been limited to less than three goals in only three games. 

This Week's BroadcastsFans can listen live to Game 3 on Thursday and Game 4 on Friday on 99.3 FM ESPN or online at 993espn.com. If necessary, Game 5 on Saturday will be broadcast on WJBX – News, Talk & More, which is on the radio dial at 101.5 FM, 104.3 FM, and 770 AM and online at wjbxnewstalk.com. Don’t miss out on the official watch party for all Everblades road games at Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill at both their Estero and Naples locations!

​​​​​​Next UpGame 4 between the Everblades and Icemen is set for Friday at 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Arena. Game 5 is Saturday at 7 p.m. in Jacksonville, if necessary. 

—

2019-20 Season Tickets and Flexible Packages are on sale now!

Join the FUN and 'Blades FAMILY by SAVING with Season Tickets or a Flexible Package that fit into your schedule and budget, plus receive FREE gifts and benefits!

SPECIAL OFFER! Purchase a new Season Ticket or Flexible Package for the 2019-20 season and receive a $20 gift card to Ford’s Garage and an Everblades tote bag!

To view the Package savings, benefits and options CLICK HERE.

Private tours of Hertz Arena are available to select your season seats! Call the Florida Everblades Front Office at 239-948-7825 to schedule your tour today!