Blades Look to Bounce Back in Game Two after Shutout Loss

ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades take to the ice for game two of the South Division Semifinals after falling 4-0 to the Jacksonville Icemen in game one. Puck drop from the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena is set for Sunday, April 21 at 3:00 p.m.

Thurday’s loss was the first time the Everblades fell in a playoff game since Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 25, 2023. In that game, the Newfoundland Growlers defeated the Blades 2-1 at Hertz Arena. To find the last time Florida was shut out in a postseason clash, you’d have to go to April 24, 2023, and Game Two of the opening round against South Carolina. The Stingrays won that game 4-0 behind three first-period goals. 

Jacksonville goaltender Matt Vernon stole the show with a shutout in his first professional playoff game. The San Jose, Calif. native and Colorado College product stopped all 28 shots he faced, including a few timely denials on breakaway opportunities. 

The Icemen excelled on the power play, scoring three of their four goals with the extra skater. The only other goal, an empty netter. Jacksonville had seven opportunities on the power play across Game One. 

The loss on Thursday snaps a six-game losing streak for the Everblades, and marks the first time Florida has lost in the month of April. 

Game Two will be the last before the Eveblades return home to Hertz Arena for Games Three (Apr 24), Four (Apr 26), and Five (Apr 27, if necessary). 

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