For the second time in as many years, the Florida Everblades are in the Kelly Cup Finals.

After finally getting over the hump last season, following multiple disappointments in the playoffs as one of the league’s powerhouses, a core group that had been in place for several seasons was able to get the job done.

They’re now looking for the first repeat championship in franchise history.

HOW THEY GOT HERE

After an inconsistent and, at times, disappointing regular season, Florida finished in fourth place in the South Division and went up against the top-seeded South Carolina Stingrays in the opening round without home-ice advantage.

They won twice on the road to advance, including an overtime win in Charleston in Game 6, and have won seven of their 12 games this postseason away from Hertz Arena in Estero, including all three road games they played in the following series in Jacksonville.

They’ll need to take at least one game in Idaho to win their third Kelly Cup, but they have been consistent in winning in six games over the first three rounds.

Sticking to the traditional 2-3-2 format, Games 6 and 7 would be in Boise, if necessary, creating an ultimate must-win-on-the-road scenario.

South Division Semifinals

Florida wins series 4-2
Game 1 – FLORIDA 5 at South Carolina 0
Game 2 – Florida 0 at SOUTH CAROLINA 4
Game 3 – South Carolina 3 at FLORIDA 4 (OT)
Game 4 – SOUTH CAROLINA 4 at Florida 2
Game 5 – South Carolina 0 at FLORIDA 4
Game 6 – FLORIDA 2 at South Carolina 1 (OT)

South Division Finals

Florida wins series 4-2
Game 1 – FLORIDA 5 at Jacksonville 2
Game 2 – FLORIDA 4 at Jacksonville 3
Game 3 – Jacksonville 0 at FLORIDA 2
Game 4 – JACKSONVILLE 4 at Florida 3 (OT)
Game 5 – JACKSONVILLE 6 at Florida 3
Game 6 – FLORIDA 4 at Jacksonville 2

Eastern Conference Final

Florida wins series 4-2
Game 1 – Newfoundland 2 at FLORIDA 6
Game 2 – Newfoundland 4 at FLORIDA 5 (2 OT)
Game 3 – NEWFOUNDLAND 4 at Florida 1
Game 4 – Florida 1 at NEWFOUNDLAND 2 (OT)
Game 5 – FLORIDA 5 at Newfoundland 2
Game 6 – FLORIDA 3 at Newfoundland 2 (2 OT)

KEY MOVES ALONG THE WAY

Florida made a trio of key late-year acquisitions that have paid big dividends this postseason.

🚨LIGHT THE LAMP🚨@seanjosling to #22 Pendenza ✨ pic.twitter.com/gaeMbamkXD

— x - Florida Everblades (@FL_Everblades) May 25, 2023

Forwards Sean Josling, Tyler Irvine and Logan Lambdin all were added late – they played in just a combined 30 regular season games – but all have come up big when it’s mattered the most, with each making significant contributions to help bolster that established core up front.

Josling is tied for the team lead this postseason with 15 points, Irvine has a team-high nine goals and Lambdin has six goals and seven assists.