Blades Fall to Thunder, Series is Even 1-1

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – The Florida Everblades surrendered goals in the each of the first two periods, but were unable to score despite putting 41 shots on goal, and dropped a 2-0 decision to the Adirondack Thunder in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals Saturday night at Cool Insuring Arena. The best-of-seven series is tied one game apiece, as the third-round series in the Kelly Cup Playoffs presented by Germain Lexus and Scanlon Lexus shifts back to Hertz Arena.

Adirondack controlled the tempo throughout the first period and the Thunder claimed its first lead of the series just 4:16 into the contest. Stationed behind the Everblades’ cage, Shane Harper directed a rebound off Blades netminder Cam Johnson’s back and into the net to give Adirondack a quick 1-0 lead. With the exception of the one unorthodox goal, Johnson was stellar in the opening period, turning aside 13 of 14 shots over the game’s first 20 minutes, as the Everblades were outshot by the hosts 14-8.

The Everblades controlled the second-period action, outshooting the Thunder 18-10, but it was Adirondack that came away with the only goal of the middle 20 minutes. Ryan Smith knocked in a centering pass for his second goal in as many games in the series, as the home team pulled ahead 2-0 just over five minutes into the frame.

Needing multiple goals in the third period, the Everblades outshot Adirondack 15-6, but were unable to solve Thunder netminder Isaac Poulter who stopped all 41 shots he faced to earn the shutout victory. It was the highest save total by an opposing goaltender this postseason.

Florida outshot Adirondack for the second straight night, claiming a 41-30 edge. In a solid outing, Johnson made 28 saves for the Everblades, but suffered the hard-luck loss.

With two games complete, the series shifts to Hertz Arena for three games. In Estero, Game Three is slated for Wednesday, May 22, while Game Four will take place on Friday, May 24. The puck drops on both games at 7:30 p.m. Game Five will be played on Saturday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. If necessary, Adirondack would host Games Six and Seven on Tuesday, May 28 and Wednesday, May 29.

Tickets for Eastern Conference Finals games that will be played at Hertz Arena are on sale online by clicking HERE or in-person at the Fifth Third Bank Box Office at Hertz Arena or by calling the Everblades office at 239-948-PUCK.

Visit floridaeverblades.com for more information on the Kelly Cup Playoffs presented by Germain Lexus and Scanlon Lexus and to purchase tickets for games played at Hertz Arena. 

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BLADES BITS

The Everblades saw a modest two-game winning streak draw to a close, but return to Hertz Arena for three games sporting an 8-2 record over the last 10 games this postseason. Florida returns home having posted a 3-1-1 playoff record at Hertz Arena, including three straight wins. Nine of the Blades’ 14 games this postseason have been contested on enemy ice, with the good guys authoring a 6-3 record away from home.

The Everblades successfully killed all five Adirondack power plays in Game Two, improving to a perfect 12-for-12 on the penalty kill in the series.

After two games, the Everblades hold a 72-52 edge in shots on goal in the series.

In two games, Florida has been whistled for 38 minutes on 15 penalties. Adirondack has totaled 28 minutes on 10 infractions.

Florida was shutout for the third time this postseason, having been held scoreless twice by Jacksonville in the South Division Semifinals. The Blades fell 4-0 in Game One and 5-0 in Game Four, before rattling off three straight wins to close out that series.

Saturday Night’s Scoresheet 

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Tickets for home games in the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs presented by Germain Lexus and Scanlon Lexus are available now, as are 2024 Kelly Cup Playoff Packages, which include games in all four rounds. To learn more, please click HERE.

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