For the second straight game in the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union, the Jacksonville Icemen (4-13-2-1, 11 pts) take on the Florida Everblades (17-2-1-2, 37 pts) at Germain Arena in Estero, Florida. Tonight's puck drop is slated for 7:00 p.m.
Despite the loss last night, the Icemen have some positives to bring into tonight's matchup. Everett Clark doubled his goal total last night, tallying two goals, including one shorthanded. The Icemen were stifling on the penalty kill last night, successfully defending all three Florida power plays and even scoring on one. Jacksonville was able to score first against Florida for the second time in three games. Finally, the Icemen showed resilience, fighting back in the third period to give themselves a chance to tie the game late.
The 'Blades continued to show their dominance on the penalty kill, stopping all five Icemen man advantages. Florida was able to explode in the second period, taking 20 shots on goal and scoring three times, enough to win the game. In the third period, the 'Blades were undisciplined and nearly cost themselves the win with four minor penalties.
The Icemen are going to need a full 60-minute effort tonight as they get their fourth chance to beat the best team in the ECHL. Fans can tune in on ECHL TV for tonight's 7:00 p.m. puck drop.
*Image taken by Kevin Bires*
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 4-13-2-1 (7th in South division)
Florida Everblades: 17-2-1-2 (1st in South division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 6/76 – 7/9% (27th in ECHL)
Everblades: 18/87 – 20.7% (4th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 76/91 – 83.5% (13th in ECHL)
Everblades: 90/104 – 86.5% (6th in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#17 F Everett Clark (JAX)
4G, 2A – 6 Pts, -17 Rating
Last night, Everett Clark scored both goals for the Icemen, including on shorthanded. The club will need continued offense from Clark to power past the ‘Blades tonight.
#81 F Stephen MacAulay (FLA)
12G, 12A – 24 Pts, +13 Rating
MacAulay scored the game-winning goal last night against the Icemen. He currently leads the ‘Blades in goals and is second in points.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers