Everblades Advance to Kelly Cup Finals: A Thrilling Journey to Glory
The Florida Everblades have etched their names in the record books by advancing to the Kelly Cup Finals for the fourth time in franchise history. Their journey towards fulfilling their title aspirations was not easy, though. They had to overcome numerous hurdles and challenges to make it to this point. But their unwavering spirit, determination, and resilience have kept them going and move closer to their ultimate goal.
Everblades’ Regular Season
The Everblades finished the regular season in style, clinching the top seed in the ECHL’s Eastern Conference. Their record of 46-11-4-4 earned them 100 points, the second time in franchise history that they crossed the 100-point mark. Head Coach Brad Ralph’s men were one of the most prolific teams in the league, thanks to a balanced and disciplined approach. They scored 231 goals in the regular season, while conceding just 159 goals. Their power play unit operated at an impressive 27.3% success rate, while their penalty kill unit was equally robust, operating at 83.1%.
Semifinal Series against Greenville Swamp Rabbits
The Everblades faced off against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in the best-of-five Eastern Conference semifinals. The series started at the Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida, where Florida registered a convincing 3-0 win in the opening game. Joe Pendenza, Blake Winiecki, and Justin Auger all scored for the hosts, while Devin Cooley made 18 saves to keep a clean sheet. The Swamp Rabbits bounced back in the second game, though, winning 3-2 in an overtime thriller. The Everblades found themselves 2-0 behind in the first period but managed to level things up through goals from Pendenza and Auger. However, Michael Pelech of the Swamp Rabbits scored in the second period of overtime to send his team into a frenzy.
The third game was held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, and proved to be the most pivotal game of the series. The Everblades gained a 1-0 lead early in the first period through Levko Koper’s goal. However, the Swamp Rabbits came roaring back with two quick goals from Bryan Moore and Michael Pelech to take a 2-1 lead. But the Everblades refused to go down without a fight and staged a dramatic comeback. John McCarron leveled things up with a powerplay goal in the second period, and Michael Huntebrinker found the net in the third period to give Florida a crucial 3-2 win. The fourth game in Greenville turned out to be a straightforward one for the Everblades, who secured a comfortable 4-0 win. August and Winiecki scored in the opening period, and McCarron and Koper added two more goals in the third period to seal the result and the series.
Kelly Cup Finals Opponent
The Everblades now face the Western Conference champions, the Fort Wayne Komets, in a best-of-seven series to determine who lifts the Kelly Cup. The Komets finished third in their division in the regular season but have been dominant in the playoffs, winning their series against Wheeling Nailers, Toledo Walleye, and Allen Americans. They are led by the dynamic duo of Shawn Szydlowski and Anthony Petruzelli, who have amassed 25 points and 14 goals in the playoffs, respectively. The Komets are a formidable team, but the Everblades are battle-hardened and ready for the challenge.
Keys to Victory for the Everblades
For the Everblades to succeed in the Kelly Cup finals, they need to stick to what has worked so well for them throughout the season and the playoffs.
1. Discipline – The Everblades are one of the most disciplined teams in the ECHL, with an average of just 10.7 penalty minutes per game in the playoffs. They cannot afford to give the Komets any extra opportunities through penalties.
2. Relentless Pressure – The Everblades have a relentless approach to the game, putting pressure on their opponents all over the rink. They need to maintain this pressure against the Komets to limit their chances.
3. Capitalizing on Scoring Opportunities – The Everblades have a potent attack and need to take advantage of every scoring opportunity that presents itself. They cannot afford to miss chances against a team as dangerous as the Komets.
Conclusion
The Florida Everblades’ journey to the Kelly Cup finals has been nothing short of thrilling. Head Coach Brad Ralph and his team have shown immense resilience and spirit to overcome adversity and reach this stage. The Komets represent a massive challenge for the Everblades, but they have the talent and drive to reign supreme. All that’s left now is to wait and watch as these two teams battle it out for the Kelly Cup, and witness the Everblades’ rise to glory.
