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

FLA LEADS 1-0 

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ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades began their quest for the Kelly Cup with a 2-0 shutout victory over the Savannah Ghost Pirates Friday night, taking a 1-0 lead in the South Division Semifinals.

Savannah threatened early after earning the game’s lone power play just 29 seconds into the contest, but the Everblades’ penalty kill was up to the challenge. Tarun Fizer jumpstarted Florida’s offense at the 7:18 mark of the opening period, wiring home his fifth career postseason goal. The tally proved critical in what became a tight defensive battle.

Fizer was a force throughout the night, finishing with a team-high four shots on goal. The Chestermere, Alberta native closed the regular season tied for second on the team with 22 goals, and Florida will continue to look to the 25-year-old forward for timely offense throughout the postseason.

The back-to-back ECHL Goaltender of the Year picked up where he left off, opening Florida’s playoff run with a 29-save shutout, the 14th postseason shutout of his career. Cam Johnson was excellent in the series-opening win, making 25 saves through the first 40 minutes while Savannah held a 25-21 edge in shots entering the final frame.

Brad Ralph’s group took control in the third period, outshooting the Ghost Pirates 10-4. Oliver Cooper gave Florida a key insurance marker with 6:17 remaining in regulation, scoring the 15th goal of his playoff career to seal the victory.

Despite being held scoreless in Game 1, Savannah looked dangerous for stretches, especially in the first and second periods. Nicholas Zabaneh paced the Ghost Pirates’ attack with five shots, including three in the middle stanza, and will remain a key player for Florida to contain as Savannah looks to even the series in Game 2. 

In goal, Vinnie Purpura delivered a quality start for Savannah, matching Johnson with 29 saves in the loss. It marked the third time this season Purpura held Florida to two goals or fewer, and he will remain instrumental to the Ghost Pirates’ hopes as the series continues. 

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