Needham nets OT winner as Everblades edge Chiefs 2-1 in Game 3

The Florida Everblades defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 2-1 in overtime on Wednesday night thanks to Craig Needham’s second goal of the game. The win evens the Kelly Cup Finals at 2-2 with Game 4 set for Friday at Hertz Arena.

Needham, who now has three goals in the series, scored the game-winner at 3:41 into the extra frame. His tally came off a rebound after Oliver Chau’s initial shot was stopped by Kansas City goaltender Jack LaFontaine. The goal capped a strong performance by Needham, who also netted the equalizer in the third period.

Kansas City struck first in the second period when Casey Carreau scored his third goal of the playoffs. The goal came at 2:55 of the middle frame on a one-timer set up by Nolan Sullivan. Carreau’s goal extended Kansas City’s series lead to 2-1 and gave them a 1-0 advantage on the night.

Florida responded in the third period with a shorthanded goal at 13:09. Chau’s shot from the left wing was denied by LaFontaine, but Needham was there to bury the rebound. The goal was the 14th of the playoffs for the Everblades and brought the game to a 1-1 deadlock heading into the final minutes.

The Chiefs had the better of the first half of the game, outshooting Florida 14-7 in the first two periods. However, the Everblades controlled the third, outshooting Kansas City 15-6 and holding the puck in the offensive zone for long stretches. Florida goaltender Cam Johnson made 28 saves, including several key stops late in regulation.

Kansas City goaltender Jack LaFontaine, who had made 25 saves through 60 minutes, was pulled in overtime. The Chiefs had a chance to close out the game but were unable to convert on a late power play.

With the win, the Everblades have forced a return to a best-of-seven series. Game 4 is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hertz Arena.

Everblades head coach Derek Armstrong will look to keep the momentum going. The Chiefs, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly and bring their best effort in Estero if they want to maintain their series lead.

Game 4 sets the stage for a potential Game 5 in Florida on Saturday. The Kelly Cup will be decided in the next two games unless the series returns to Kansas City for a decisive Game 7.