ESTERO, Fla. – Eastern Conference Finals got started Friday night at Hertz Arena as Cole Moberg scored first in Everblades’ fashion to lead a 2-1 win over the Wheeling Nailers in Game 1 with 5,350 fans in attendance.
Cole Moberg opened the scoring with an unassisted goal from the blue line, marking his second goal of the postseason. The Blades added another when Tarun Fizer found the back of the net off a pass from Jesse Lansdell. Despite outshooting Florida 13–8 in the opening period, the Nailers were unable to capitalize on their chances.
Neither team found the back of the net in the middle frame, though momentum began to swing toward Florida, which outshot Wheeling 9–6 in the period.
Wheeling cut into the deficit in the third period when Matty De St. Phalle found the back of the net with assists from Alexander Kuqali and Ryan McAllister. The Nailers later pulled their goaltender in an attempt to even the score, but Florida shut the door and skated away with a 2–1 win.
Following a strong start to the series, the Florida Everblades return to Hertz Arena tomorrow looking to extend their lead in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Wheeling Nailers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Friday’s Gamesheet
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