Photo Courtesy of the Trois-Rivieres Lions [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7b3805e8-3b8e-41b0-bb4e-dc0afe7e2e7b.jpeg] Photo Courtesy of the Trois-Rivieres Lions After the first two games of the Kelly Cup Eastern Conference Finals [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/game-day/cavallin-s-standout-goaltending-gives-lions-early-lead-over-everblades-in-eastern-conference-finals], the Trois-Rivieres Lions have completely taken home ice advantage from the Florida Everblades. Following a 2-1 victory over the three-time defending Kelly Cup champions in Estero Sunday afternoon, the Lions are up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, with the next three to be played in Trois-Rivieres. The Lions came into Sunday having scored first in 10 of their 11 games this post-season, and they struck first in this contest. Just 36 seconds into the opening period, Alex Beaucage pounced on a loose puck in front of the net and beat Florida goaltender Cam Johnson for an early 1-0 lead. The Everblades answered just over two minutes later, with Kyle Neuber tying the game 1-1. It was Neuber’s first goal of the playoffs, assisted by Isaac Nurse. Trois-Rivières had three power-play opportunities in the period, but couldn’t capitalize on them and regain the lead. Early in the second period, the Everblades had a golden opportunity to take control of the game. The Lions were forced to kill off a major penalty after Logan Nijhoff was assessed a five-minute major. Despite being shorthanded for over four minutes, not only did Trois-Rivières hold off Florida’s attack, but Justin Ducharme, set up by Xavier Cormier, scored a shorthanded goal to restore the Lions’ lead at 2-1. Florida fired 12 shots on net in the frame, but Luke Cavallin, coming off a shutout in Game 1, remained unbeatable. The Everblades pushed again in the third period, but Cavallin and the Lions’ defensive corps stood strong. Johnson was just as stubborn in net, but Trois-Rivières held on to earn their second win in less than 24 hours. For the second straight night, the Everblades outshot the Lions but failed to come up with a victory. Trois-Rivieres managed just 14 shots to the Blades’ 32. The series now shifts to Trois-Rivières for the next three games (if necessary), where the Lions will look to build on their momentum in front of their home crowd. Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 Pm ET, followed by Game 4 on Friday at 7 Pm and Game 5 (if necessary) on Saturday at 3 Pm at Colisée Vidéotron.
