ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades scored four goals in a 3:14 span in the second period to defeat the Jacksonville Icemen 5-1 in Game 6 of the South Division Semifinals at Hertz Arena Monday night.  The Everblades win the best-of-seven series 4-2. 

It took Florida less than two minutes to garner the game’s first goal.  Kyle Platzer led a 2-on-1 rush out of his own zone and skated deep into the Icemen end.  Platzer steered the puck across the low slot to Blake Winiecki who then buried the puck behind goaltender Mikhail Berdin for the goal. 

Moments later, the Icemen countered and evened the game at 4:18 when Kris Newbury delivered a perfect pass from behind the net to Fortier at the top of the crease.  Fortier immediately batted the puck past Florida netminder Callum Booth. Fortier’s fourth goal of the playoffs put the score at 1-1.

The two teams entered the second period tied, but several Icemen miscues proved to be costly as Florida capitalized on their chances. 

The Everblades reclaimed the lead at the 4:04 mark Jacksonville attempted to clear the puck out of the zone, but it was intercepted by John McCarron in the slot.  McCarron sliced a backhanded shot past Berdin to pull Florida in front 2-1. 

Florida made it 3-1 just 54 seconds later, when again the Icemen could not clear the puck out in front and Tommy Thompson poked the loose puck into the net from the top of the crease. 

Alex Tonge added to the scoring barrage at 6:41 when he picked up the puck following an Icemen turnover at the circle and ripped the puck into the net for the fourth Florida goal.

Winiecki capped off the scoring sequence with his second goal of the contest when he cut to the slot and wristed a shot high into the corner of the net to put the Everblades in front 5-1. 

The momentum swing was too much to overcome for the Icemen, as Florida locked down the remainder of the game defensively to earn the win and the series victory. 

The Icemen’s second season ends with a remarkable run in the playoffs.  Ticket packages for the 2019-2020 season are currently on sale.  Contact the Icemen’s office at 904-602-7825. 

#1 Florida Everblades vs, #4 Jacksonville Icemen (Florida wins best-of-seven series 4-2)

Game 1:  Thursday, April 11, Jacksonville – 2 at Florida – 3 (Overtime)Game 2:  Saturday, April 13, Jacksonville – 1 at Florida – 4Game 3:  Thursday, April 18, Florida – 3 at Jacksonville – 4  Game 4:  Friday, April 19, Florida – 1 at Jacksonville - 3Game 5:  Saturday, April 20, Florida – 5  at Jacksonville – 1Game 6:  Monday, April 22, Jacksonville - 1 at Florida - 5 

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

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