The Eels came off a disappointing lost last Sunday against the Palm Beach Typhoon and got right to work on Monday to turn things around. It was getting re-focused and energized in the right way. No doubt it was one of the toughest weeks the boys went though. It was a combination of physical and mental preparation to get back on track. And that they did. There was something different starting on Monday and as it transcended throughout the week. It was evident from the way the boys took to practice, it was evident from the way they were dialed into their video sessions, it was evident the way the players took to their off-ice conditioning. You can see the intensity in their eyes, in the speed in their game, in their hitting, their fore-check and attitude.
Well, the boys made it real clear in this game. Enough talking, enough Xs and O’s Enough hype. The Eels were looking to avenge their loss with the Typhoon. And that is what they did. The crowd clearly favored the Eels despite being an away game. But the Eels planted their stake in the ground and took ownership of this game. The Eels exploded for 6 unanswered goals and completely shut down the Blades to capture a well-deserved shutout. It was not just the goals scored; however, The Eels smothered the Jr Blades on the fore-check. Their puck retrieval was flawless. Every time the Blades got possession the Eels stripped them of it. Moreover, the Eels took advantage every time they got possession. Look at the shots on goal. Eels unleashed an unprecedented 56 shots on the Blades netminder. Incredible. Even more impressive was the fact there were 6 different goal scorers for the Eels. The scoring was indeed balanced. Additionally, there were 8 different Eels who had tallied assists.
When the Blades entered the Eels defensive zone you saw how they equally suffocated the Blades from any sustainable threat with a slim 18 shots on the Eels goalie. No doubt the Eels came to Hertz with the hunger, determination, and fortitude to show who they are. It was a solid win and one that the Eels wanted to crystallize before the Thanksgiving break. We saw the resilience of the Eels. To bounce back after a disappointing loss but that is how championship caliber teams are made up. These boys are on a mission and this win is another example of the Eels DNA.
Florida Eels 1 4 1 – 6
Florida Junior Blades 0 0 0 – 0
1st Period-1, Florida Eels, Crupi 6 (Hennessy, Trathen), 5:41. Penalties-Fenton Fjb (tripping), 11:07.
2nd Period-2, Florida Eels, Goddard 2 (Patterson, Trathen), 1:31 (PP). 3, Florida Eels, Godbout 1 8:19. 4, Florida Eels, Salminen 4 (Shepherd, Budgell), 14:06. 5, Florida Eels, Hennessy 9 (Moore, Goddard), 16:45 (PP). Penalties-Fenton Fjb (holding), 1:13; Zebley Eel (slashing), 4:45; Hennessy Eel (elbowing), 5:48; Fenton Fjb (roughing), 8:19; Phillips Eel (interference), 11:43; Salminen Eel (interference), 14:18; Fenton Fjb (interference), 15:30.
3rd Period-6, Florida Eels, Maltais 1 (Carpenter), 19:49. Penalties-Carpenter Eel (slashing), 7:26; Hambling Eel (high-sticking), 8:04; Mongeau Fjb (slashing), 10:26; Crupi Eel (holding), 11:53; Ramoundos Fjb (unsportsmanlike conduct), 16:18; Mayer Fjb (interference), 16:58.
Shots on Goal-Florida Eels 15-21-20-56. Florida Junior Blades 4-7-7-18.
Power Play Opportunities-Florida Eels 2 / 0; Florida Junior Blades 0 / 0.
Goalies-Florida Eels, Rolleman 7-0-1-1 (18 shots-18 saves). Florida Junior Blades, Carabelli 6-3-1-0 (56 shots-50 saves).
