ECHL Eastern Conference Finals – Game 5 Recap: Florida Everblades vs Trois-Rivieres Lions

A Saturday afternoon game occurred between the Trois-Rivières Lions and Florida Everblades in Quebec. Game five of the Eastern Conference Finals will be the last time the two teams play in Quebec together. The series is tied at two, and continues to be a battle of the Goalies. Luke Cavallin takes his place between the pipes after being pulled early in the last game, and Cam Johnson looks to continue Florida’s domination of the previous few games.

First Period

The Trois-Rivieres Lions come out ready to go in the first period, loading shots while trying to maintain control of emotions from game four. Lion Anthony Beauregard gives Florida the night’s first power play with a slashing penalty. Florida, unable to make anything on the man advantage, is a different team from Friday night. Things get a little physical in the first ten minutes, and gloves stay on thus far. 5:13 to go, Tyler Hylland gives the Trois-Rivieres Lions their first lead in two games, 1-0. Florida ramps up their attempts. However, Trois-Rivières leads shots 9-6 as the period ends.

Second Period

Puck Drops, 2:31 in Lion Jakov Novak gets called for interference; This leads to Everblade Oliver Chau tying the game 21 seconds into the power play. This is the last shot opportunity the Everblades would get until they go back on the power play with 6:16 left. Lions Chris Jandric with a delay of game penalty the cause. The Lions’ Jakov Novak gets the third penalty of the night with a tripping call. Florida would get their first penalty, putting the Lions on the power play with Alex Kile’s interference. Then, for a second time this period, an Everblade. Jesse Lansdell, with 21 seconds left, called for interference. Even with Florida having three power plays, the Lions maintain control of the game, dominating most of this period with shots 14-2.

Third Period

Starting with 1:28 of a power play left for the Lions, the puck drops and things get underway. Lions come out hot. Chris Jandric is 1:04 in, making it 2-1. The Everblades fight back, doubling their shooting efforts in the period, going from two to ten. This would not be enough, as players keep their plays and emotions in check, and scrums are minimal. With 10:50 down, Anton Malmstrom would get called for hooking, putting Florida on the power kill for the third time of the night. Cam Johnson heads to the bench to give Florida the extra attacker, leading to Lion Alex Beaucage netting an empty net goal, making it 3-1. Trois-Rivières Luke Cavallin closes the game with 20 saves, and Cam Johnson with 30.

Stars of the Game

First Star- Chris Jandric (Trois-Rivières)

Second Star- Tyler Hylland (Trois-Rivières)

Third Star- Alex Beaucage (Trois-Rivières)

Upcoming

Teams head back to Florida for what could be games six and seven. With this win, the Lions can take this series next time they take the ice, leading to the biggest series they will play thus far. With this win, the Everblades look at the possibility of the biggest defeat of the year in the next game. The Toledo Walleye look to secure their place in the Kelly Cup Final Saturday night, as they lead their series 3-1 at the time of publication. Game six takes place Tuesday, May 27th, at 7:30 pm EST.