Photo Courtesy of the Trois-Rivieres Lions [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/29239b76-7132-46fe-ba7c-d1ba428b0ee3.avif] Photo Courtesy of the Trois-Rivieres Lions As expected, Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Eastern Conference Finals [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/game-day/playoff-preview-kelly-cup-race-down-to-final-four]between the Florida Everblades and Trois-Rivieres Lions featured low scoring and great goaltending. In the end, the Lions prevailed over the three-time defending Kelly Cup Champions 1-0 to grab the opening game of the best-of-seven series. The first period of this long-awaited matchup was tightly contested. Both clubs had a power-play opportunity but were unable to convert. Goaltenders Luke Cavallin and Cam Johnson were sharp early, stopping 7 and 5 shots respectively. The second period was just as quiet until just before the halfway mark, although Florida outshot the Lions 16-2. But it was Kyle Havlena who scored his first goal as a Lion on Trois-Rivières' first shot of the period for a 1-0 lead. Cavallin didn’t flinch as the Everblades continued to fire shots at him. The Lions’ netminder also got help from his defense. Wyatt McLeod blocked two point-blank shots late in the frame to preserve the lead. The Everblades didn’t win three consecutive Kelly Cup titles by giving in. They continued to press in the third period, but the Lions’ skaters delivered a complete defensive effort to protect the narrow one-goal lead. Cavallin secured his second shutout of the postseason, turning away every attempt and sealing a critical Game 1 win on the road. Cam Johnson took the tough loss, stopping 11 of the 12 shots he faced. The two teams hadn’t played each other since March 2023, and set the stage for what should be an exciting series. Game 2 will take place Sunday at Hertz Arena. Puck drop is set for 5 Pm ET.
