JACKSONVILLE—The Icemen’s chance to put the Florida Everblades on the brink of elimination in the first round of the EHCL playoffs melted Sunday afternoon when the two-time defending Kelly Cup Champions scored a fast-break goal eight minutes into overtime at the VyStar Memorial Arena.

With the series tied 1-1, Jacksonville has to win at least one of three games as the best-of-seven series shifts to Estero. The Everblades will try to become the first team in EHCL history to win three consecutive Kelly Cups.

In Game 1, the Icemen adapted to the Everblades’ rugged phalanx. The Everblades relied on their brawling abilities to force the Icemen players off the puck as they circled the ring. In response, the Icemen loosened their game and focused on passing to keep possession away from barreling Everblades players. 

Besides racking up a few more shots in the first period, the Everblades’ aggression saw little success and came as a detriment. 

Everblades forward Sendon was in the penalty box twice in the first period for minor roughing and high-sticking. It was his second stint in the penalty box when the Icemen capitalized on the power play to make the first goal, scored by Christopher Brown at 19:04. 

The trend continued in the third period, which opened up with a penalty against Florida defenseman at 2:32, followed by a power-play goal at 2:39 made by Icemen No. 68 Olivier Nadeau. 

The Icemen’s offense, which depended on fast passing and switching the rink, only benefited with each Everblades infraction. The “knock,” “knock,” “knock” during a power play came as an ominous reverberating clamor to Everblades goalie Cam Johnson. 

The star of Game 1 was Matt Vernon, who made his Kelly Cup playoff debut with a 28-save shutout.

Game 2 largely came as a stalemate, as the Everblades would not allow the Icemen to be as maneuverable. The Icemen opened the first period with a flurry of unsuccessful shots, eight in total by the time the Everblades made their first. 

A power play in the second period allowed Icemen Derek Lodermeier to score a goal at 12:59. The Everblades responded after being back at full strength when Josling scored just two minutes later. 

During sudden death over time, both teams appeared frantic.

Vernon made a game-saving catch at the 8-minute mark and another save five seconds later. Everblades forward Matt Wedman kept up the unrelenting pressure on a breakaway and punched in the winning shot with 8:24 remaining.

Games six and seven, if necessary, will be back at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 30 and May 1.