ESTERO, FL – Blake Winiecki scored a goal and added to assist to lift the Florida Everblades to a 4-1 victory over the Jacksonville Icemen in a tightly contested Game 2 of the South Division Semifinals at Hertz Arena Thursday night. The Everblades now take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The Everblades scored first at 4:37 when John McCarron crashed the net and picked up the loose puck at the top of the crease.  McCarron skated left and lifted a shot over the outstretch leg of Jacksonville goaltender Ken Appleby for the game’ first strike. 

Florida extended their lead to 2-0 nearly 90 seconds later.  Blake Winiecki received the puck off the boards at the right circle and then delivered a no-look backhanded pass across the ice to an open Kyle Platzer.  Platzer shoved the puck into the wide-open net to make it a two-goal game after the first period. 

Despite the 90-second lapse in the second, the Icemen battled hard throughout the contest and was eventually rewarded for their efforts at 10:09 of the second period. 

Dajon Mingo delivered a long lead pass from his own blueline that sprung Cameron Critchlow on an offensive chance.  Critchlow cut down the wing and lowered his shoulder to cut to the crease before slide the puck underneath the pad of Florida goaltender Jeremy Helvig to pull Jacksonville with one before the close of the middle frame.

Jacksonville continued to fight in the third period, but ran into trouble at the end of a power play opportunity.  The Icemen crashed the net in the closing seconds of a Florida penalty to Logan Roe.  Roe exited the penalty box to join what became a 3-on-1 rush led by John McCarron.  McCarron floated a perfect pass across the ice to a wide-open Roe in the slot. Roe snapped a shot from close range that beat Appleby for the goal.  Roe’s first of the postseason put Florida ahead 3-1 with seven minutes remaining 

In the closing minutes, the Icemen pulled their goaltender to allow for the extra attacker, but Winiecki would add an empty-net goal to secure the game 4-1. 

The series now shifts to Jacksonville for Game 3 on Thursday, April 18.  Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.Broadcast Information: Fans can catch all Icemen playoff game broadcasts on Mixlr, and on ECHL.TV.#1 Florida Everblades vs, #4 Jacksonville Icemen (Florida leads the best-of-seven series 2-0)

Game 1:  Thursday, April 11, Jacksonville – 2 at Florida – 3 (Overtime)Game 2:  Saturday, April 13, Jacksonville – 1 at Florida – 4

Game 3:  Thursday, April 18, Florida at Jacksonville, 7:00 p.m. (Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena)

Game 4:  Friday, April 19, Florida at Jacksonville, 7:00 p.m. (Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena)

Game 5:  Saturday, April 20, Florida at Jacksonville, 7:00 p.m. (Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena) **

Game 6:  Monday, April 22, Jacksonville at Florida, 7:30 p.m. (Hertz Arena) **Game 7:  Wednesday, April 24, Jacksonville at Florida, 7:30 p.m. (Hertz Arena) **

**If Necessary

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The 2018-19 Jacksonville Icemen Season is Presented by Community First Credit Union

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