NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - A five-goal deficit was too much to overcome for the South Carolina Stingrays as they dropped Game 3 of the South Division Finals to the Florida Everblades, 7-3, on Wednesday night at the North Charleston Coliseum in front of 3,785 fans.
Despite an early push in Game 3 by South Carolina, it was Florida still finding a way to open the scoring. Sam Stange scored his first of the playoffs 3:09 in, giving the Everblades a 1-0 lead.
Late in the first period, the visitors doubled their advantage. Anthony Romano scored his sixth of the series to put Florida ahead 2-0 going to the second.
In the second, the Everblades scored twice in the first nine minutes to take a 4-0 lead and end the night for South Carolina netminder Garin Bjorklund who was replaced by Seth Eisele. Jesse Lansdell knocked in a loose puck in the crease with 8:39 remaining in the frame, putting Florida ahead 5-0.
In a five-goal hole, the Stingrays showed no quit. Stanley Cooley knocked home a rebound with 7:56 remaining in the second. Eight seconds later, Simon Pinard scored on a breakaway to cut the deficit to three, 5-2.
While on the power play in the final minute of the period, Connor Moore rocketed a one-timer past Florida goaltender Cam Johnson, bringing South Carolina within two, 5-3, going to the third.
The Stingrays had another power play to start the third period, but could not capitalize. Just under five minutes into the frame, Cole Moberg scored on a shot from the point, building the Everblades’ lead back to three, 6-3.
South Carolina searched for a spark in the third trailing by a trio again, but could not mount many chances. With 2:25 left and the net empty for the Stingrays, Jett Jones scored an empty-net goal to finish off the 7-3 victory for the Everblades. Florida now leads the best-of-seven series, 3-0.
___
South Carolina returns to the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday, May 15, at 7:05 p.m. against the Florida Everblades for Game 4 of the South Division Finals in the 2026 Kelly Cup Playoffs, presented by Plumb Pro+. Tickets are on sale on Ticketmaster.com and at the North Charleston Coliseum Box Office.
2026-27 Season ticket plans are on sale now! For more information or to purchase, contact the Stingrays at 843-744-7418 or submit this form.
Follow the Stingrays on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
New Mexico Goatheads
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trenton Ironhawks
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers