WHO: Florida Everblades (1st South) vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates (4th South)

SERIES TIED 0-0
 
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ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades open the 2026 Kelly Cup Playoffs tonight at Hertz Arena, hosting the Savannah Ghost Pirates in Game 1 of the South Division Semifinals.

The Blades enter the postseason as the top seed in the South Division after posting a dominant 49-13-10 regular-season record, finishing with a power play operating at 17% and an 87% penalty kill, continuing to rely on strong special teams and depth throughout the lineup.

Savannah secured the fourth and final playoff spot in the division with a 35-33-4 record, closing out the regular season with a 16% power play and an 86% penalty kill, setting up a matchup that appears evenly matched on special teams.

Offensively, Anthony Romano led the Everblades with 62 points (26G, 36A), while Savannah is powered by forward Nicholas Zabaneh, who recorded 51 points (27G, 24A). On the blue line, Jordan Sambrook paced Florida with 47 points (9G, 38A), being named the ECHL plus performer of the month, +62 on the season. Dennis Cesana led Savannah’s defense with 40 points (7G, 33A).

Between the pipes, Cam Johnson remains a cornerstone for the Everblades. The reigning ECHL Goaltender of the Year—earning the Nick Vitucci Award for the second consecutive season—posted a .920 save percentage and a 1.84 goals-against average in the regular season.
Florida controlled the regular-season series, going 7–3 against Savannah, including a 4–1 record at Hertz Arena.

While this marks Savannah’s first appearance in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, the Everblades enter with championship expectations, pursuing their fifth Kelly Cup title after last season’s run ended in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Trois-Rivieres Lions in Game 6, following three consecutive championships.

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Season ticket plans for the 2026-27 campaign are on sale now! Become a Blades 365 Member for the 2026-27 season and enjoy incredible savings and benefits! To view the Blades 365 Membership savings, benefits, and options click HERE.

Group Packages are available for a group of 10 or more! Everblades put 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.
 
Grab the newest and hottest Everblades merchandise by checking out the entire collection that is available online by visiting shop.floridaeverblades.com or at the Hertz Arena Pro Shop!

 
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