Blades Overpower Steelheads 3-1

ESTERO, Fla. -- For the second time of the three-game series, the Everblades (37-19-6-4) came from behind to topple the Idaho Steelheads (35-29-2-1) on Saturday night, erupting with three goals in the final period to claim a 3-1 win at Hertz Arena. 

Much like Friday’s game, the first period saw no scoring in a battle of two defenses. The Everblades outshot the Steelheads 11-7 and the lone penalty went against Idaho’s A.J. White on a roughing call.

The Steelheads broke the scoreless draw in the second period when Will Merchant formed a rush alongside Ryan Dmowski and hammered his shot home at the 15:56 marker. The Blades were unable to respond by the second intermission with Idaho goaltender Jake Kupsky denying all 21 shots faced after 40 minutes of play. 

The first Everblades goal after five combined scoreless periods came off the stick of Jake Jaremko at 6:58 of the third stanza. The play developed on the team’s second power-play of the night to tie the game at 1-1. Florida’s Matteo Gennaro banged in a chance from the goal line just 1:06 later as the Blades gained a 2-1 edge. It was Gennaro’s first goal in an Everblades jersey and his tenth of the season after previous appearances with the Wichita Thunder. 

Derek Angeli (17:28) also scored his first of the season with the Blades, pushing in a rebound from the crease on an initial shot from John McCarron. Angeli’s insurance was the finale for the Everblades as they secured the 3-1 victory. Parker Gahagen continued his winning ways in net with a 21-save victory after besting Idaho in Wednesday’s series opener. With Saturday’s 3-1 outcome, the Everblades have clinched a spot in the 2022 Kelly Cup Finals. 

The Everblades will embark on a four-game road trip beginning this Monday, April 4 with a stop in Central Florida to play the Orlando Solar Bears. Puck drop is set for 7:00pm and the game will be covered on FloHockey.TV as well as Mixlr at www.mixlr.com/florida-everblades.

The penultimate Everblades home game of the 2021-22 regular season will be played Friday, April 15 against the Atlanta Gladiators. During each Friday home game of the 2021-22 season, fans can enjoy the action with a 239 ticket package, which pays tribute to Southwest Florida's area code and provides a great deal! You get two premium seat tickets, two autographed programs, and two Molly Moo ice creams for just $39! The action begins at 7:30pm and tickets can be purchased HERE.

Read more about the Blades’ busy promotional schedule and great deals HERE.

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JOIN THE FUN

2022 Kelly Cup Playoff Packages are now on sale. Join the Blades in their pursuit for a second Kelly Cup title! To learn more, call or text (239) 948-7825. 

Become a member of the Florida Everblades family by securing a great seat location and big savings with a Blades 365 Membership!

Purchase a new Voucher 12 package that allows you to use 12 tickets in any quantity during the 2022-23 season to earn the exclusive benefits of being a Blades 365 Member! To view the Blades 365 Membership savings, benefits and options click HERE.

Everblades put the FUN in FUNdraising! There is no handling of money or tickets and no limit to the amount of money your group can make with the Everblades easy-to-run online Fundraiser! For more information, or to reserve a Fundraiser Night at an Everblades regular season home game, call or text (239) 948-7825.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Watch every Florida Everblades game on FloHockey.TV. Listen to the exciting game action on ESPN Southwest Florida on 770 AM, 98.1 FM, 104.3 FM and online at https://espnswfl.com or Mixlr at www.mixlr.com/florida-everblades. 

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The Florida Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals.

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