The Florida Everblades needed a win for a lot of reasons, the least of which being that they would secure fourth place in the ECHL’s South Division, thereby securing home ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs.

They got just that with a solid 2-0 defeat of the Pensacola Ice Pilots at Germain Arena Tuesday night.

“The guys knew what was on the line tonight,” said Blades coach Gerry Fleming. “We knew about it all week. It was a nice win for us.”

The teams skated to a scoreless first period as the game began to look like a goaltending duel.

The Blades finally broke the tie just under seven minutes into the second period when center Adam Taylor wrapped around the net and stuffed the puck past Pensacola goalie Mike Brodeur (23 saves).

Preston Callander scored his 23rd goal of the year midway through the final period of play.

Everblades goaltender Kevin Nastiuk stopped all 24 shots he faced, including six quality chances.

“I thought the (team) played really solid tonight,” said Nastiuk. “They were ready to play, and to lock up home ice for the first round of the playoffs is great. Overall it was just great to get the win.”

The Everblades (37-25-8) have two tough games at home against the division leading Texas Wildcatters, who are trying to claim the Brabham Cup, which is awarded to the team with the best overall record in the league.