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.

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.

"...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!

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.