ECHL South Division Semifinals – Game 3 Recap: Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville Icemen

For the third time in as many games, the South Division Semifinals required overtime to determine a winner—and for the third straight time, the Florida Everblades came out on top ahead of the Jacksonville Icemen. Defenseman Anton Malmström scored the game-winning goal 6:26 into the extra period, giving the Everblades a 2–1 win and a commanding 3–0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

First Period – Hargrove Strikes Late

A back-and-forth opening frame featured strong goaltending from both sides, as Cam Johnson and Matt Vernon each turned away early chances. Florida generated more sustained zone time but couldn’t solve Vernon until the final seconds.

With 18.6 seconds left in the period, the Everblades found the icebreaker. Colton Hargrove buried a quick release from a setup from Dillon Hamaliuk, marking his first goal of the postseason. The Jacksonville Icemen were looking for a penalty call moments earlier , but no penalty was assessed and play continued—leading to the Florida goal moments later.

GOAL (19:42): Colton Hargrove (FLA) – Even strength
Assists: Dillon Hamaliuk

Score: Florida 1, Jacksonville 0
Shots on Goal: Florida 9, Jacksonville 6
Power Plays: Florida 0/1, Jacksonville 0/0
Penalties: Florida 1, Jacksonville 0

Special teams have played a pivotal role throughout the ECHL South Division Semifinals, with both clubs showing flashes of discipline and frustration.

Second Period – Grando Answers Back

Jacksonville pushed back in the middle frame and was rewarded midway through the period. After a smart transition play off a feed from Garrett Van Wyhe, Cameron Grando snapped a shot past Cam Johnson at 9:55 to even the score at 1–1.

GOAL (9:55): Cameron Grando (JAX) – Even strength
Assists: Garrett Van Wyhe, Derek Koch

The Icemen had a golden opportunity to take the lead late in the period when Florida took back-to-back penalties just 14 seconds apart—Lukas Lambdin for slashing and Keenan Betts for delay of game—giving Jacksonville a full 1:46 of 5-on-3 power play time. Despite crisp puck movement, they were unable to capitalize, as Johnson made key stops and the Everblades’ penalty kill stood tall.

Score: Florida 1, Jacksonville 1
Shots on Goal: Florida 10, Jacksonville 12
Power Plays: Florida 0/2, Jacksonville 0/3
Penalties: Florida 3, Jacksonville 2

Third Period – Locked In at One

With the score tied entering the third, both teams leaned into a tighter defensive structure. Zone entries were contested, and high-danger chances were few and far between. Each side managed just four shots on goal, reflecting the low-event nature of the frame.

Jacksonville was awarded two more power play opportunities after Brandon Hislop was hauled down and Brendan MacArthur drew a cross-checking penalty, but the Icemen continued to struggle with the man advantage. Florida’s penalty kill remained perfect, improving to 5-for-5 on the night.

The Everblades had a pair of late power plays themselves—their first since the opening period—but couldn’t find a breakthrough, as Matt Vernon stayed sharp in net. Regulation ended just as it began: deadlocked at one goal apiece.

Score: Florida 1, Jacksonville 1
Shots on Goal: Florida 4, Jacksonville 4
Power Plays: Florida 0/2, Jacksonville 0/2
Penalties: Florida 1, Jacksonville 2

Overtime – Malmström Ends It

Florida took control early in overtime, outshooting Jacksonville 6–1 and owning the majority of puck possession. The breakthrough came at 6:26, when Anton Malmström jumped into the rush and buried a feed in stride from Keenan Betts, with Olivier Chau also earning a helper.

GOAL (66:26): Anton Malmström (FLA) – Even strength
Assists: Keenan Betts, Olivier Chau

Final: Florida 2, Jacksonville 1 (OT)
Shots on Goal: Florida 6, Jacksonville 1 (OT only)
Power Plays: None
Penalties: None

Final Game Stats

Final Score: Florida 2, Jacksonville 1 (OT)
Total Shots: Florida 29, Jacksonville 23
Power Plays: Florida 0/2, Jacksonville 0/5
Penalty Minutes: Florida – 10, Jacksonville – 4

Goaltending Matchup

Cam Johnson (FLA) – 22 saves on 23 shots. Calm and focused, especially during a critical 5-on-3 kill in the second.

Matt Vernon (JAX) – 27 saves on 29 shots. Strong positional play and held Jacksonville in it through overtime.

Three Stars of the Game

Anton Malmström (FLA) – OT game-winner at 6:26, +1, 3 SOG
Cam Johnson (FLA) – 22 saves, perfect on five penalty kills
Matt Vernon (JAX) – 27 saves, solid in defeat

Up Next – Game 4 in Jacksonville

Game 4 of the ECHL South Division Semifinals is scheduled for Thursday night, April 24, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. With a 3–0 series lead, Florida looks to complete the sweep, while the Icemen will be fighting to stay alive and extend the series on home ice. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Click here to see photo gallery of this game by ITR’s photographer Andrew Fielder