Everblades Become First ECHL Team To Clinch Playoff Berth With Win Over Savannah

For the second consecutive season, the Florida Everblades have put themselves in a position to make history.

The club reached a milestone after winning their third straight Kelly Cup Championship in 2024, becoming the first team in ECHL history to win three in a row.

Wednesday night, the Everblades officially became the first team to clinch a spot in the 2025 post-season with a 4-2 home win over the Savannah Ghost Pirates, putting them in a position to once again accomplish what no other team has: bring home a fourth consecutive Cup.

The Blades outshot Savannah 18-9 in the first period, including nine shots on two power plays, but neither team could put points on the board.

It wasn’t until later in the middle frame that Savannah finally broke the drought. Nick Granowicz scored on a beautiful backhand shot for a 1-0 Ghost Pirates lead.

Just 53 seconds later, Craig Needham scored his seventh goal of the season on a two-on-one rush to tie the score 1-1. That’s where it remained after 40 minutes of play.

Coming into the game, Florida had outscored their opponents 72-43 in the third period, and they continued that trendWednesday.

Early in the third, Carson Gicewicz scored on a shorthanded breakaway to give Florida their first lead of the game. It was Gicewicz’s team-leading 21st goal and third shorthanded marker of the season.

The Everblades added a power play goal late in the frame with Oliver Chau getting a touch on Kade Landry’s point shot for his 18th goal of the year to put Florida up 3-1.

That goal was big, as Devon Paliani got the Ghost Pirates back within one with the goalie pulled. Dillon Hamaliuk added an empty-netter to seal the 4-2 victory and put Florida in the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs.

The Everblades move their record to 39-12-8, while Savannah falls to 25-28-5. The two clubs face off again Friday night at Hertz Arena for Country Night. Fans can come decked out in their cowboy boots and enjoy a night of country music, line dancing, and Southern charm. Puck drop is set for 7:30 Pm ET.