RECAP | GROWLERS DROP GAME TWO 5-4 IN 2OT

21 May 2023

By Brady Reid

Newfoundland Growlers (0-2) vs. Florida Everblades (2-0)
Saturday, May 20 – Estero, FL

2023 Eastern Conference Final: Florida lead series 2-0

The Newfoundland Growlers dropped Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Florida Everblades on Saturday night at Hertz Arena.

Isaac Johnson gave the Growlers an early lead just 2:09 into the game before Tyler Irvine got the Everblades back to level with 24 seconds left in the first period to make it 1-1 after 20 minutes of play.

Zach Solow scored a pair even strength goals 1:47 apart in the early stages of the middle frame to give the Growlers a 3-1 lead heading into the third period.

Oliver Chau got one back for the Everblades on a delayed penalty call with 15:15 left in regulation, Todd Skirving replied two minutes later before Chau nabbed another 28 seconds later to get Florida within one, down 4-3 with 12:22 to go.

Sean Josling sniped one over the blocker of Dryden McKay with 3:38 to force overtime as regulation time ended all square at 4-4.

After one overtime period solved nothing, John McCarron scored 6:08 into the second extra frame to give Florida the 5-4 double OT victory and a 2-0 series lead.

Quick Hits

This game was the longest in franchise history.
Newfoundland PK is 10/10 in ECF.
Game Three is on Monday night at 9:00pm in Estero.

Three Stars:

1. FLA - J. McCarron
2. FLA - O. Chau
3. NFL - Z. Solow