The Florida Everblades and Adirondack Thunder resume their series for Game 6 of the ECHL Eastern Conference on Tuesday. Here are a few things to know.
The Florida Everblades and Adirondack Thunder are back on the ice for Game 6 of the ECHL Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night. The Thunder staved off elimination in Game 5, topping the Everblades 4-2 and shifting the series back to Glen Falls, New York.
Adirondack took a 2-0 lead after the opening 20 minutes, with Filip Engaras and Erik Middendorf both finding the back of the net. The Everblades tied the game on goals from Riese Zmolek and Cole Moberg two minutes apart late in the second period. However, Adirondack potted the go-ahead goal early in the third period and added an insurance empty-net goal late in regulation.
Florida is looking to punch its ticket to a third consecutive Kelly Cup Finals. At the same time, Adirondack needs to win Games 6 and 7 to make the franchise's first appearance in the ECHL championship round.
Let's look at several key stats that could play a role in the outcome of Tuesday's Game 6.
Dynamic Defensemen
Florida's Cole Moberg scored for the first time in this series in Game 5 and recorded the primary assist on Zmolek's goal. Moberg leads all ECHL defensemen with five goals in the playoffs. The Everblades have two of the top-scoring blueliners in the ECHL playoffs, with Will Reilly recording eight points (2-6-8) in 16 games thus far.
History On The Line
With his game-winning tally in Game 5, Adirondack's Ryan Smith became the franchise's all-time leader in goals (10) in the postseason. The Thunder forward has racked up 12 points (9-3-12) in the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs thus far. Smith's nine goals tied Ryan Schmelzer's franchise record for most goals in a single playoff run. The former has an opportunity to stand alone on Tuesday night.
Who's On First
Recording the game's first goal has been the difference for both of these clubs. In this series, the Everblades scored first in Games 1, 3, and 4 and went on to win all three games. Overall, Florida is a perfect 10-0 this postseason when taking a 1-0 lead. Likewise, Adirondack boasts an 8-0 record when scoring first, as seen in Games 2 and 5.
Goaltending Battle
In Game 5, Florida's Cam Johnson's two-game shutout streak ended as he stopped 26 of 29 shots on goal. However, Adirondack's Jeremy Brodeur, making his first start since Game 4 of the North Division Finals against Norfolk, outperformed Johnson. Despite facing a high shot volume, Brodeur allowed only two goals and made 35 saves. The question now is whether Adirondack will stick with Brodeur or turn to Isaac Poulter.
Game 6 between Florida and Adirondack will get under way from Cooling Insurance Arena, with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. EST.