The Florida Everblades secured a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory against the Jacksonville Icemen in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series at Hertz Arena.
It was a physical, fast-paced game at Hertz Arena, exactly what you’d expect when the Everblades and Icemen meet in the playoffs. Florida has spoiled Jacksonville's postseason the last three years straight, and the goal was exactly the same here in Game 1. The Blades came in with confidence and that championship mindset, and they showed why they’ve been the team to beat in this matchup.
Everblades fans packed into Hertz Arena for Game 1, and it didn’t take long for the fireworks to start. Just two minutes in, Jordan Sambrook lasered one in the top shelf to get Florida on the board first. With a rivalry like this, it was bound to get nasty, with scraps all over the ice and plenty of visits to the penalty box.
In the second period, Jacksonville found its footing. The Icemen netted the equalizer, silencing the crowd, and just 74 seconds later, they grabbed the lead.
Florida was relentless in the third period, outshooting Jacksonville 19 to 7, and it paid off. Kyle Betts buried the game-tying goal with just over three minutes left, sending the game into overtime.
Finally, 13 minutes into O-T, the Blades broke through. The game-winner by Alex Kile sent Hertz Arena into a frenzy, and Florida took Game 1 in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 final.
The Everblades now lead the series 1-0. It’s a quick turnaround, and before long, Hertz Arena will be rocking again. Game 2 is back on the Blades home ice on Saturday night, and if Game 1 was any indication, it’s only going to get grittier. Puck drops at 7 p.m.