JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Winners of three straight games, the first-place Florida Everblades will look to extend their four-point lead over the Jacksonville Icemen battling in the race for the top spot in the ECHL South Division. The Blades will be playing the first of two road games versus in-state rivals Jacksonville and Orlando this weekend.

Florida enters Friday night’s game coming off a six-point sweep of the South Carolina Stingrays last week, picking up three one-goal victories. Over the last eight games, the Everblades have posted a 7-1 record, having outscored opposition 32-17.

The Blades and Jacksonville Icemen have met eight times this season, with Florida holding a 4-2-1-1 advantage in the season series. Last time out, Jacksonville claimed a 7-3 victory at home back on January 11. After winning the first three games between the clubs this season. the Everblades are 1-2-1-1 in the past five matchups against the Icemen.

One of three Everblades to appear in all eight games versus the Icemen, Joe Pendenza has posted team highs with four goals and six points. Cam Johnson is 3-2-1-1 in seven games with a 2.91 GAA, while Evan Fitzpatrick is 1-0 with a 2.00 GAA in one start. 

Jacksonville is riding a four-game winning streak and has posted an 8-2 mark over their last 10 games. With a 5-4 overtime victory over Orlando on Wednesday, the Icemen snapped a string in which they had dropped three of their last four home decisions to move into sole possession of second place in the South, ahead of South Carolina, Greenville and Atlanta by the smallest of margins, as the three clubs are separated by just one point.

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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.

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The Florida Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and the AHL's Charlotte Checkers.

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