Kelly Cup Finals: Game 3 Response

The Florida Everblades claimed the Kelly Cup Finals series lead last night in a 6-3 win v.s. The Kansas City Mavericks.

After Game 2, the notion that whoever opened up the scoring wins the game had simply become a groundless argument. It was understood that Game 3 would be more about response and grit rather than who could see the back of the net first. 

"You can't get away from the analytics, you know, the percentages when you score first or you're leading after one, but to me, it's playoff hockey, whether you're up or down, you know you got to find a way to carry through for the next two periods," said Everblades Head Coach Brad Ralph.

With that being said, the Mavericks came out hot and put one up on the board early in the first. Normally this would be something to worry about but as I previously stated before Game 3, “losing and learning is just as beneficial as winning,” and this was the Everblades' chance to prove it on home ice. 

This attitude was first presented by Logan Lambdin as he got the party started to tie the game at 1-1 but was short-lived after the Mavericks wasted no time to take the lead once again after two consecutive goals. 

In the first period, the Everblades allowed the Mavericks to not only dictate what type of hockey we were seeing on the ice but allowed them to maintain possession of the puck in their territory while outshooting the swamp. 

The Everblades had to make something happen soon to maximize their opportunity of taking Game 3 and securing a sense of confidence that is crucial to mindset at this point in the Kelly Cup Finals. 

Despite what analytics have to say about opening the scoring, the Everblades "came out and just showed how much they want it," said Ralph.

During the 2nd and the 3rd, the Everblades went on to find that the space in front of the crease was their sweet spot and ticket to a tied game early in the 3rd after goals from Oliver Chau and Mark Senden.

"They're a very good defensive hockey team, they defend the net front very well so I think we need to get a number of opportunities, a number of reps to break through, and we did tonight," said Ralph.

Watch how in both goals the Everblades forwards strategically position themselves in front of the Mavericks defensemen and wait patiently for the perfect puck execution.

This is the type of response that sets the Everblades apart from opposing ECHL teams.

Instead of playing frustrated and safe, the Blades settled in nicely and remained composed by making their own opportunities rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them.

With a tied game and every second counting, the Everblades began to feed off the energy at Estero's Hertz Arena which gave them the edge to continue the goal streak until the final minutes of the game.

"They really helped us rally, you know, going down three-one after the first," said Chau. "The fans stuck with us like we stuck with each other in the locker room."

After an empty netter from Chau who made the hats fly, Game 3 was under the Everblades belt along with a mindset that will be carried into Game 4.

The focus as of now for Game 4 on top of maintaining a response plan according to Ralph is:

"Steering the penalty box, number one. We need to continue to defend the rush; we saw that in the first period, that was a tough lesson for us. And after that, stick with our game plan."

Game 4 will be Friday night at Hertz Arena at 7:30! To listen, tune in at ESPNSWFL radio.

The big party is just around the corner. If you're interested in driving down from Southwest Florida, here is all you need to know when planning for the annual Key West Key Lime Festival.

When people visit me from around the country, there are a few local food items I say they have to try. A Key Lime pie is one of them. It might be the most famous use of these special limes but it's not the only one.

You'll get to experience it all at this festival that takes place from July 3rd through the 7th. The celebration kicks off with a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Scott Taylor at Kaya Island Eats.

Then there is a cookbook signing party in the new George’s Bar & Spritz at the historic Curry Mansion Inn. It is said to be the actual locale where the first Key lime pie was created. The featured book is by David Sloan. He wrote the famous “Key West Key Lime Pie Cookbook.”

Other events include 5k races, fireworks, pool parties and a sip and stroll Key lime cocktail party. One of the highlights of the week is the infamous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship. The other is the Key Lime Pie Drop.

Talk about "pie in the sky". At this event, competitors are tasked with creating a container that can protect their beloved Key lime pie from exploding when it falls. Only it is falling from the 88-foot observation deck of the historic Key West Lighthouse. The kids will love this one.

There are lots of food events including the “5-Alarm Pie Challenge” at the Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum. Can you imagine cayenne graham cracker crumbs, habanero cream and a jalapeño topper? Talk about spicing up the Key lime pie.

Fun fact, key lime pie was made the official state pie in 2006. Restaurants all over Florida claim theirs' is the best. I have a feeling you'll find some of the best at this fest.

If you want to go, click here for more information and schedules. Some need advance reservations and can fill up fast so don't miss your chance.

Kendra Hoskin places a Key Lime pie in front of a World Famous Key Lime Pie Championship competitor in 2023

The gravity defying Key Lime Pie Drop is a crowd pleaser. Contestants create a device or container to protect a 5” diameter pie and keep it from exploding on impact when dropped from the observation deck of the historic Key West Lighthouse. This event is July 6th.

What kind of festival would this be without key lime pie. Lots of it. Look at the merengue on these.

Pictured with Key Lime Festival team members left to right, David Johnson, Kaylee Garlington, Liz Love, Kristyn LaMoia, Erin McKenna and Festival Producer Nadene Grossman Orr, Chris Schultz of Key West, center, took the World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship prize in 2022