Everblades Lose Game 3 to Growlers, Now Head to Newfoundland

The Florida Everblades suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat in Game 3 of the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals against the Newfoundland Growlers on Wednesday evening. With the loss, the Everblades now find themselves down 2-1 in the best-of-seven series and needing a win in Game 4 to level the series. The team will travel to Mile One Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland for the next two games, starting on Friday night.

The Game Recap

The Everblades entered Game 3 looking to build on a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory in Game 2, which saw forward Michael Huntebrinker score the game-winning goal in the extra frame. However, the Growlers had different plans, coming out of the gate strong and scoring two goals in the first period to take control of the game.

The Everblades pulled one back in the second period through defenseman Zack Kamrass, but Newfoundland responded with two more goals to put the game out of reach. Goaltender Parker Gahagen made 28 saves on 32 shots for Florida, while Growlers netminder Michael Garteig stopped 23 of 24 shots.

The Growlers’ Physicality

One of the key factors in Game 3 was the physical play of the Newfoundland Growlers. The team came out hitting hard and often, disrupting the Everblades’ offensive rhythm and winning battles along the boards. The Everblades struggled to match the physicality of the Growlers, which played a role in their inability to generate consistent scoring chances.

With the series shifting to Newfoundland for the next two games, the Everblades will need to find a way to match the intensity of the home team and win more battles along the boards. They will need to be more physical in their approach, especially in the offensive end where they will need to create traffic in front of the net and battle for loose pucks.

Power Play Struggles

Another factor in the loss for the Everblades was their struggles on the power play. The team had four opportunities with the man advantage but failed to score on any of them. In a game where every goal matters, missed opportunities on the power play can prove costly.

The Everblades will need to be better on the power play moving forward in the series. They have the talent to be dangerous with the extra man, but they will need to execute better and capitalize on their chances if they want to win games.

The Importance of Game 4

With the series now at 2-1 in favor of the Growlers, Game 4 takes on added importance for the Everblades. A win would level the series at two games apiece and give the team much-needed momentum heading into Game 5. A loss, on the other hand, would put the team on the brink of elimination and make a championship comeback much harder to achieve.

The Everblades will need to come out strong in Game 4 and play with desperation and intensity. They cannot afford to let the Growlers dictate the play or take control of the game early on. Winning Game 4 is crucial for Florida’s championship hopes, and the team will need to put forth their best effort of the series to make it happen.

The Road Ahead

Regardless of the outcome of Game 4, the Everblades will need to find a way to win at least one game in Newfoundland if they want to win the Kelly Cup. The Growlers have been dominant at home throughout the playoffs, boasting an 8-1 record at Mile One Centre.

The Everblades, however, have shown resilience throughout the playoffs, overcoming numerous obstacles and battling their way to the Finals. They will need to draw on that resilience and find a way to win in a hostile environment if they want to win their first Kelly Cup in franchise history.

Conclusion

The Everblades’ Game 3 loss to the Growlers was a disappointing setback in their quest for the Kelly Cup. However, with two games remaining in Newfoundland, the team still has the opportunity to mount a comeback and win it all. To do so, the team will need to elevate their play and match the physicality and intensity of the Growlers. Game 4 will be crucial for Florida’s championship hopes, and the team will need to put forth their best effort of the series to make it happen.