The Kelly Cup Playoffs are finally here. The Jacksonville Icemen hosted the Florida Everblades for game one of their series on Thursday, April 18th, at 7 p.m. The Icemen and Florida have an extensive history together. Jacksonville beat Florida in eight of their 11 matchups this regular season. However, Florida has managed to beat Jacksonville in the last two playoff series. So, Jacksonville came into game one, looking to get ahead of their playoff foe.
The first period was, as many fans would imagine, close and competitive. Both teams managed to play a high-level defense. Jacksonville and Florida were held at ten shots or less each in the first period. But Jacksonville was able to put a point on the board first. Florida’s Mark Senden would be called for a high sticking minor at 18:44. This gave Jacksonville the power play with the rest of the period to go. Christopher Brown ripped a wrist shot past Florida’s goalie Cam Johnson. Jacksonville would get the power play goal and head into the second period on top 1-0.
Both teams continued to play physically during the second period. Florida’s Cole Moberg would be called for a two-minute penalty for high sticking. Jacksonville would not be able to capitalize on the power play. Many fans continued to also express concern as they felt Florida was picking on the smaller-built players. Brendan Harris would take a hard hit during the period and would not return for the rest of the game.
Tensions between the two teams continue to rise. Both the Icemen and Florida had top defenses during the regular season and it demonstrated strongly throughout the third. Fans were heckling Cam Johnson, in hopes of throwing him off his game. Florida’s Jordan Sambrook would be called for an early penalty for slashing, and Jacksonville would quickly respond. Six seconds into the power play, Jacksonville’s Oliver Nadeau hit a wrist shot off of the rebound from Christopher Brown. Both teams continued to press hard on the defense to try and get ahead. Florida’s Reese Zmolek would be called for a two-minute interference for shoving Christopher Brown down at the mid-ice point. Many fans were shocked to see how hard the player was hit. Both Icemen and Florida players began talking and were close to fighting. However, the refs broke it up before anything could happen.
With under five minutes to go, Oliver Nadeau would be called for a two-minute minor for cross-checking. Florida would get the power play. Florida would pull goalie Cam Johnson to give Florida the 6 v 4 advantage. However, Jerry D’Amigo would get the short-handed goal on an empty net with a little under three minutes to go. Everblades Sean Josling would get called on a two-minute penalty for roughing at 17:43. Derek Lodermeir would get the penalty goal at 17:54. The Icemen would get the 4th goal of the night and take the win 4 – 0.
Icemen fans would be ecstatic as many were happy to see the Icemen play much better than the last few regular season games. Matt Vernon would have an outstanding playoff debut. He would save 28 out of 28 shots, allowing a first-game shutout. Many fans would continue to heckle Cam Johnson, letting him know it was “All his fault.” But, overall, the Icemen found a way to reconnect after going 5 for 6 in their last six home games. The Icemen need to carry the momentum back with them on Sunday, April 21st, at 3 pm when they play the Everblades for the second game of the seven-game series.
