Florida Everblades Game 5: Staying Hungry
Last night the Florida Everblades took a 3-1 series lead over the Adirondack Thunder and look to close out the series tonight in an Everblades Game 5.
Everblades Strategically Opening Up the Scoring
Going straight into the 1st, both teams seemed to play with a sense of urgency to be the first to see the back of the net. If you’ve been following along, you know the significance that the Everblades have placed on gaining an early lead.
“I think in hockey the stats are in your favor when you score first,” said Everblades Head Coach Brad Ralph.
Not only is this true to the sport as a whole, but it’s entirely factual when it comes to the Everblades v.s. Adirondack:
So far in Games 1-4, the team that has claimed the first goal has ended up claiming the game.
Aside from that, the Everblades were well aware of the physicality and aggressive gameplay that Adirondack possesses but planned to use it to their advantage to open up the scoring.
“We knew that coming into the series [that] that was apart of their game plan, especially in front of their net,” said Ralph. “So our game plan is just to continue to go to the net, and if they want to take penalties, then we’re going to do everything we can to make a play on the Power Play.”
This strategy ultimately worked in favor of the Everblades as Bobo Carpenter saw the back of the net for a 1-0 lead on the Power Play.
Going into the 2nd and 3rd period, Adirondack’s physicality quickly turned to frustration as the Everblades were quick to shut down any offensive rush efforts and capitalize off of mistakes in their defensive zone.
“Getting bodies in front of the net, making it hard for the goaltender to see [see] the shots and you know, getting a second guy around the net to pick up rebounds,” said Everblades forward Mark Senden who did just that in the 2nd period to extend the lead.
The streak continued into the 3rd period with a goal from Everblades Forward Sean Josling to finalize the score at 3-0.
With the Everblades Game 5 being tonight, they have a chance to not only end the series and advance to the Kelly Cup Finals, but it could be starting goaltender Cam Johnson and the teams third shut out in a row over Adirondack.
Everblades Game 5 Mindset: One Day At a Time
“…As a team, we’re just so locked in on one day at a time,” said Ralph. “I know it’s cliche, but each game is such a big undertaking for us, like emotionally and physically; so we’re not looking too far ahead.”
Senden is in the same headspace, highlighting the importance of rest and recovery coupled with staying present.
“Get some rest,” said Senden on Everblades Game 5.
“…We just got to take it one period at a time, one shift at a time, and just keep sticking to our game plan. Can’t [you know] get ahead of anything, we just got to stay in the moment and stay hungry.“
Senden says his hype song going into the Everblades Game 5 tonight to take the series is ‘Made In America’ by Toby Keith!
Puck drop is at 7:00 at Hertz Arena and to listen, tune in to ESPNSWFL radio!
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