Jacksonville Icemen eliminated from ECHL playoff race
For the first time in five years, the Jacksonville Icemen will miss the playoffs, eliminated from contention with Saturday's shootout loss to Atlanta.
Turning point: Adam Eisele scored the deciding goal in the second tiebreaking shootout round for the Atlanta Gladiators, earning a 5-4 victory and mathematically eliminating the Jacksonville Icemen from ECHL playoff contention on April 11 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Three stars: 1. Eisele, Atlanta (shootout goal).
2. Logan Cockerill, Jacksonville (two goals, one assist). 3.
Kirklan Irey, Atlanta (two goals). Penalty box: Cockerill scored with the extra man for a 3-2 third-period lead, but the Icemen (27-31-8-2) only went 1 for 9 on the power play and failed to convert a full two-minute two-man advantage in overtime. Around the rink: Although Jacksonville can still match the 72 points of the fourth-place Savannah Ghost Pirates, Savannah would qualify for the Kelly Cup playoffs because of their superior regulation win total, which is the first tiebreaker under ECHL rules.
… The Ghost Pirates have 34 regulation wins, while Jacksonville cannot finish with more than 31. … Adam McMaster and Jed Pietila scored in the second period for Jacksonville. … Irey scored his first two Gladiator goals in the third period, the latter forcing overtime.