The Florida Everblades edged the Wheeling Nailers, 1-0, in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final at Hertz Arena on Saturday. Zach Berzolla scored the game’s only goal, and Cam Johnson recorded a 20-save shutout to help Florida take a 2-0 series lead.
Berzolla gave Florida the lead just 29 seconds into the second period. After a pass from Riese Zmolek, Berzolla skated in alone on the left side of the Wheeling net and fired a shot into the top corner. The goal gave Florida the lead for the 18th straight game in the series (and in the playoffs), dating back to the regular season.
The first period was a tight, scoreless affair, with Florida outshooting Wheeling, 12-8. The Everblades controlled much of the play but could not beat Taylor Gauthier before the period ended.
The second period brought penalties and momentum shifts. Florida dominated the advantage, going 4-1 in the stanza. Wheeling spent much of the middle frame shorthanded but failed to convert on any of its man advantages.
The game remained 1-0 through the third period despite a flurry of penalties. Wheeling was assessed five penalties to Florida’s two in the third, but Gauthier stood tall, making 29 saves in the loss.
Johnson, who improved to 3-0-0 in the playoffs with three shutouts, was sharp in net for Florida. He turned aside all 20 shots he faced, including a handful of difficult saves in the third period. Gauthier’s 29 saves were impressive, but not enough to keep Wheeling from dropping its second straight game in the series.
With the win, Florida now holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The series shifts to WesBanco Arena in Wheeling for Games Three, Four, and Five on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The next game is set for Wednesday, May 27, with puck drop at 7:10 p.m.
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