The defending Kelly Cup Champion Florida Everblades will try to avenge a loss to Norfolk when they face the Thunder in a top ECHL Friday matchup at Norfolk Scope.
Photo Courtesy of the Florida EverbladesThe Admirals came away with a 4-1 victory Wednesday over the Everblades. Brady Fleurent scored a goal and also picked up three assists to lead the Admirals. Norfolk took an early lead and never looked back, while goaltender Thomas Milic saved 25 of 26 shots to earn the win.
Oliver Chau scored Florida’s only goal in the loss, while Will Cranley stopped 21 shots in net.
The Everblades (37-12-7) are now only two points ahead of the South Carolina Stingrays for first place in the South Division. Florida hasn’t had to share the division lead since Dec. 11, when they were tied with South Carolina.
The Stingrays kept pace with Florida with a 2-1 triumph Wednesday in overtime over the Savannah Ghost Pirates. Florida and South Carolina do not play each other again in the regular season, so Florida will need to control their destiny without facing their division foe.
The Admirals (32-19-3) are in a division battle of their own. They are currently tied with the Wheeling Nailers for second place in the North Division after winning on Wednesday. Wheeling does have one game in hand, with no more matchups against Norfolk this year.
Florida’s magic number to clinch a playoff spot is now nine because of Savannah’s overtime loss. The earliest Florida can now clinch a playoff spot is Sunday depending on their own performance and that of Savannah this week.
Carson Gicewicz paces the Everblades in scoring with 43 points (20-23-43) in 55 games. He also leads the team in goals.
Florida has been outstanding defensively and between the pipes this season. They lead the ECHL with 2.25 goals against per game.
The Admirals’ Fleurent is tied for second in the ECHL with 62 points (23-39-62) heading into Friday’s game. Meanwhile, Milic is fresh off a Warrior Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week award after going 2-0-0 last week with a 0.50 goals-against average, .981 save percentage and one shutout. In eight appearances in goal for the Admirals this season, Milic is 5-3-0 with two shutouts, a 1.88 GAA and .936 SP.
Puck drop for Friday’s game is set for 7:05 Pm ET.