Steelheads fall in Game 1 of Kelly Cup Finals

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Idaho Steelheads will now have to play catchup, after they dropped Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Finals.

Florida emerged victorious in Boise Saturday night. The Everblades put game 1 away in overtime, winning 3-2.

The game 1 loss at home isn't completely uncharted territory for Idaho. The Steelheads lost the first two games of their opening round matchup against Utah, both games at home. However, this is the Steelhead's first overtime loss of the season; Idaho was 4-0 in overtime in the playoffs coming into tonight's game.

Things started out quick on both ends, with the Everblades thinking they had taken an early lead, only for the goal to be chalked off. Idaho was able to get on the board in the first, when two Everblades players were penalized in quick succession, leading to a 5-on-3 where Dawson Barteuax put the Steelheads 1-0 up.

In the second, Florida responded to knot it at 1-1. Things stayed tense, with both goaltenders making strings of saves to keep the score tied.

Finally, Idaho broke through in the 3rd period to make it 2-1 courtesy of Ryan Dmowski, but Florida responded with about eight minutes left in regulation.

After a short stoppage before overtime due to an ice issue, the long 5-on-5 overtime period began (ECHL does 3-on-3 OT in the regular season). Unfortunately for Idaho, Florida was able to find the net first; Oliver Chau put the puck in the net and put the game away to give the Everblades the series lead.

Idaho won't have much time to think on the loss. The Steelheads and Everblades face off Sunday at 4:10 p.m., about 16 hours after the conclusion of Game 1. Following Game 2, the series will head to Florida for potentially three straight games. Tickets are sold out for Game 2, but you can still watch live on FloSports.

SERIES: 1-0 Florida

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