Blades close to clinching playoff spot
Eight teams in each of the ECHL’s two conferences qualify for the Kelly Cup Playoffs. With a 14-point lead on the ninth-place team, the Florida Everblades are close to clinching a playoff berth.
The Blades (40-23), however, are still in contention for the South Division championship and a top-three seed for the playoffs. That quest continues Friday and Saturday nights at Germain Arena when the Blades host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
Since the Blades’ final nine regular season games are against South Division rivals, point swings can become complicated. After facing last-place Greenville (28-36), the Blades take on fourth-place Atlanta (30-34) and third-place Orlando (31-32) the rest of the way.
Earlier this week, the Blades agreed to terms for an amateur tryout with forward Greg Gibson, 25, joining the team following his senior season at Robert Morris with a career-best 51 points along with teammate Chase Golightly, 24, a defenseman.
The Blades also released defenseman Joe McNamara from his amateur tryout and agreed to terms for a standard contract.
It’s Guns ‘N Hoses night at Germain Arena before Saturday’s game with the Swamp Rabbits. Teams of local police and fire fighters battle it out on the ice at 5:15 p.m.
The Blades will wear special Guns ‘N?Hoses themed jerseys that will be auctioned off following their game.