For the third time in the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union, the Jacksonville Icemen (10-20-3-2, 25 pts) complete a back-to-back series against the Florida Everblades (26-6-1-2, 55 pts). The Icemen look to take down the 'Blades for the first time this season at Veterans Memorial Arena tonight at 7:30 p.m.
Last night, the Icemen power play came alive in the second period as Tanner Eberle and Brendan Collier each scored a goal on the man advantage. However, the Jacksonville power play also surrendered two goals, including an empty-net goal. Both teams' special teams combined for five of the six goals on Friday night at Germain Arena.
A win tonight for the Icemen would also mark the first time they have won consecutive games on home ice. That won't be easy as the 'Blades are likely to start goalie Martin Oullette, who has two wins against Jacksonville this season. Oullette was solid in both appearances, allowing only three goals on 57 shots faced.
The 'Blades have scored 23 goals in six games against the Icemen, an average of 3.83 goals per game. Florida is in the top-1o in the league in goals for with an average of 3.50 goals per game. For Jacksonville to finally knock off the conference-leading 'Blades, they're going to need to shut down on the the most explosive offenses in the league.
Do you have your tickets for Faith and Family Weekend yet? Join the Icemen from Jan. 26-28 and don’t miss out on a live performance by Colton Dixon immediately after the Jan. 26 game against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Help us defeat cancer as we host Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend on Feb. 1-3. Find out more about this special weekend by visiting here.
The Icemen battle the 'Blades tonight at 7:30 p.m. Click here to get your tickets now!
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 10-20-3-2 (7th in South division)
Florida Everblades: 26-6-1-2 (1st in South division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 14/144 – 9.7% (27th in ECHL)
Everblades: 27/140 – 19.3% (8th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 126/154 – 81.8% (17th in ECHL)
Everblades: 139/161 – 86.3% (3rd in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#29 F Tanner Eberle (JAX)
11G, 2A – 13 Pts, -5 Rating
Eberle has been on a roll lately. He has two goals on nine shots in his past two games.
#7 F Quentin Shore (FLA)
7G, 11A – 18 Pts, +13 Rating
Shore posted a hat trick last night against the Icemen, including the game-winning goal. He has nine points (4g-5a) against the Icemen this season.
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