Florida Everblades advance to face rival Stingrays in Kelly Cup Playoffs

ESTERO, Fla. (WINK)—The Florida Everblades are advancing to the South Division Finals after sweeping Savannah in the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

The Everblades scored first in all four games against Savannah, with forward Tarun Fizer netting three opening goals. Fizer credited chemistry with his linemates for the early success.

"I think it's just a chemistry between my line mates and me," Fizer said. "We played together a little bit last year, played a little bit together this year, and we finally got back together, and we're feeling really good right now."

Starting strong proved crucial for the Everblades throughout the series. "You get the first goal in the game here, you're ahead early, and it makes a big difference," Fizer said.

The team's depth showed in Game 4, when three of their five goals came from defensemen. Goalie Cam Johnson said the roster's versatility has been a strength all season.

"One of the things that we've talked about all year is we've got guys that can kind of come in and out of the lineup, no problem, and, you know, be up to speed and up to pace," Johnson said.

The Everblades have now swept their opening round opponent in back-to-back postseasons. Fizer said the team's winning tradition builds confidence.

"This team has been very good the last five years, they've been winning for a long time, and it's a little bit of a confidence thing," Fizer said.

Johnson anchored the defensive effort, stopping 107 of 111 shots in the series. He said the team's defensive structure allowed him to focus on making key saves.

"If we just take care of defense, to shut down the rush, then we should have success," Johnson said. "And the guys did a good job doing that. And then I was obviously able to make the saves I needed to."

The Everblades now face division rival South Carolina Stingrays in a matchup Johnson expects to be intense. "I would consider them our biggest rival here," Johnson said. "We know that they always have us circled on their calendar. So I'm sure game one is going to be a war."

Games 1 and 2 will be played at Hertz Arena on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m. The series then shifts to South Carolina.