Florida Everblades Escape with 2-1 Decision in Game One vs. Wheeling Nailers

The Florida Everblades edged the Wheeling Nailers 2-1 in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final on Friday night at Hertz Arena. Matty De St. Phalle scored the lone goal for Wheeling, while Cam Johnson made 24 saves to secure the win for Florida.

Florida struck quickly, scoring twice in the first seven minutes. The first goal came at 3:40 off a Wheeling turnover in their own zone. Cole Moberg intercepted the puck at the center point and fired a wrist shot past Taylor Gauthier to put Florida on the board. Just 3:09 later, Jesse Lansdell and Tarun Fizer connected on a two-on-one breakaway, with Fizer burying a one-timer from the right side of the slot to make it 2-0.

Wheeling responded with a strong second period and had a golden opportunity to cut the deficit late in the frame. Florida’s Lansdell was assessed a major penalty for charging and a game misconduct for a hit on Brent Johnson. The Nailers failed to convert on the five-on-three advantage, and Florida preserved the two-goal lead.

The Nailers finally got on the board at 9:12 of the third period. Alexander Kuqali set up De St. Phalle in the slot, and De St. Phalle put a shot through Johnson’s legs to cut the lead to one. Wheeling pushed for the equalizer in the final minutes, but Florida’s defense held firm. Gauthier finished with 21 saves in the 23 shots he faced.

Cam Johnson was the story in net for the Everblades, making 24 saves on 25 shots. His performance was crucial in preserving Florida’s early lead. The Nailers, meanwhile, outshot the Everblades 23-21 but struggled to convert chances into goals.

The Everblades now hold a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final. Game two is set for Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Hertz Arena. The series will move to WesBanco Arena in Wheeling for Games Three, Four, and Five if necessary. Playoff tickets are available now via wheelingnailers.com.