Florida Everblades Shutout Adirondack Thunder in Game 3: Behind the Scenes & Analysis

"For me personally, I like to win," said Florida Everblades Head Coach Brad Ralph after last nights shut out over the Adirondack Thunder in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

With Game 3 putting them one step closer to advancing to the Kelly Cup Finals, Everblades forward Josh Ho-Sang, goalie Cam Johnson and Ralph expanded on their playoff success and what it'll take to finish in 5.

Throughout their playoff presence, the Florida Everblades have continually emphasized the importance of taking the lead early to maintain control and avoid chasing the game.

"I think it's huge," said Ho-Sang. "In playoffs, the team that scores the first I think has like a 70% chance of winning."

"It's a good recipe for success," said Ralph on the dominance his team displayed in the first period against the Adirondack Thunder with three back-to-back goals.

A key part of this recipe that works so well for them is having Ho-Sang in the mix.

"He's a very good stick handler, he likes to possess the puck and [you know] he's dangerous when he's on the ice," said Ralph. "He draws a lot of attention and he can make pretty high plays."

While we know Ho-Sang can shoot, he's not just dangerous when it comes to finishing in the back of the net but more so within his ability to read the rink in a way that others don't in order to strategically curate passes that lead to intentional goals.

Watch how in the first half of the play Ho-Sang maintains possession of the puck to beat his opponent to the empty space near the blue line while the Adirondack Thunder defensemen are distracted near the net.

This worked to give him time to not only reassess his options, but to act to act as a buffer and draw attention to himself rather than Sambrook, who was left uncovered.

It's clear from this opening goal that the Thunder share a similar opinion to Ralph because the second Ho-Sang got the puck, all eyes were on him.

Instead of trying to battle through unnecessary traffic to add a SOG, he shares it for a better more strategic outcome.

"I get a lot of double coverage, so [I] share the puck, share it with my friends," said Ho-Sang. "I think you're seeing our team is more dynamic now. Our defensemen are scoring a lot more than they've scored all year, and a lot of that is just [like] how we try to connect them to the play."

With 2 assists last night and 12 in the playoffs so far, Ho-Sang wants to keep it simple when it comes to his mindset for Friday nights game 4.

"Just play hockey, have fun. I mean, that's my mindset," said Ho-Sang. "I don't know if coach is going to be saying that... I think that for us, when our team has fun, we excel."

Last series, the Florida Everblades almost had a series sweep under their belt but got too comfortable with their lead and allowed the Orlando Solar Bears to force Game 5.

Johnson highlights the fact of the matter being that "every game is going to be a battle," regardless of the current 2-1 series lead over Adirondack.

"You can never overlook an opponent or [you know] think that they're going to come out flat, because they're not going to," said Johnson. "We know they're going to be better next game, but we are too."

Overall, out of Game 4 we can expect:

A pushback from the Adirondack Thunder on Friday, alert and confident gameplay from the Everblades, a better effort out of the Thunders starting goalie Isaac Poulter, but more specifically... a goalie fight?

"He was getting a little chippy last game, so I still got a few things I want to say to him," said Johnson on Poulter being pulled from the game after letting in three consecutive goals.

"The boys have been playing hard in front of him, and it's too bad for him."

To see how it plays out, puck drop for game 4 will be at 7:30 Friday, May 24 at Herz Arena! To listen, tune in to ESPNSWFL Radio!

This weekend is the unofficial kick off to summer. To help you navigate what to do and where to go, here are your Weekend Vibes. 6 things to do Memorial Day weekend in Southwest Florida from Naples to Fort Myers, Cape Coral and beyond.

Travel experts say more people are taking to airways and highways over the next few days than have in the last fifteen years during this same time.

If you are flying for Memorial Day weekend, or plan to anytime this summer, here are some good airport hacks. They give you tips when it comes to new consumer protection rules with luggage and flight interruptions along with other useful tips.

But if you are staying in town, the weekend is full of BBQs, side-walk sales and more. However, this holiday has a very important significance that should be remembered above all. It is to honor those who have lost their lives serving our country.

There are a lot of memorial commemorations, remembrances and similar activities. A couple are listed here and we always encourage you to participate in them.

Besides remembrance ceremonies and events honoring members of the military, there is a huge All-American BBQ at the Germans American Social Club in Cape Coral. More on that is below.

In addition, movie buffs won't want to miss the 14th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival. This celebrates independent films from around the world at numerous venues throughout Lee County.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for May 24th through the 27th, Memorial Day weekend in Southwest Florida.

There are lots of things to keep you busy this weekend in Southwest Florida. If you can, get out and support local events and business.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites.

This is a big event featuring a variety of independent films. Enjoy everything from shorts to features and documentaries in a wide range of genres. Films are shown at several locations in Lee County with the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center being the nucleus. They run daily, now through Sunday and tickets are still available. More info here.  

Paying respect to fallen hero's is the theme of the Memorial Day events at GCTC in Estero. It's also a benefit for the Southwest Florida Military Museum. There is a presentation of the Colors by Lee County Sheriff's Office followed by live music and other performances. Bring your own chairs and blankets. There are games for the kids too. It's Monday from 4-7. Free.  More info here.

Start your day with a memorial run in Punta Gorda on Monday. The fun begins at 8am in Laishley Park.: $15 (ages 0-14) $20 (ages 15-18) price increase after may 26th. More info here.

At this big cookout and festival in Cape Coral, organizers are honoring Active Duty and Retired Military with the help of  folks from 'Quilts of Valor'. Enjoy all kinds of hot BBQ off the grill and lots of beer, both German and American. Sunday $5. Free for Active Duty and Retired Military with proper ID and children 12, More info here

 More info here

This is the last weekend to see "The Addams Family" musical at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. It's based on the 1960's TV show and has been getting great reviews.  Closing night is Saturday at the theater on Colonial Blvd in Fort Myers. Tickets start at $35, More info here.

WONDER stands for Walk, observe, navigate, draw, explore, and read. You can do all of that this weekend at Naples Botanical Garden. There are games, activities and scavenger hunts helping you to explore the gardens. There will be live music and other treats.  9am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday.  More info here.