It was the type of game you would expect when two of the top teams in the ECHL face off against each other, with both trying to build momentum heading into the playoffs — back and forth scoring, hard hitting, and excellent special teams play.

Unlike seven of the previous eight times the Florida Everblades and Texas Wildcatters met on the ice, the Blades came out on top Friday night 4-2 before a raucous crowd of more than 6,500 at Germain Arena.

“It was a big win,” said Blades coach Gerry Fleming. “It was a disciplined and clean game as far as us doing what we were supposed to do systematically.”

The scoring didn’t get started until the second period.

While on the power play, Everblades defenseman David Cornacchia stuffed a rebounded past Wildcatter net minder Kris Tebbs (30 saves).

Texas, the top team all year long in the American Conference’s South Division, didn’t sit back on its heels. Three minutes later, forward Kevin Baker took an up-ice pass past the defense and, despite an attempt by Blades defenseman Brett Peterson, somehow managed to get his shot past Florida net minder David Shantz (25 saves) to tie the game at 1-1.

Florida (38-25-8) retaliated immediately. On the ensuing face off, McArdle fired a shot past Tebbs as the Everblades took the lead 2-1.

Six minutes later the Wildcatters tied the game again at 2-2.

The final, and most important period, belonged solely to the Blades. Preston Callander scored his 24th goal of the year to put the Blades back on top 3-2.

Derek Damon stole the puck from two Texas defensemen and flipped a one-timer over Tebbs to secure the important victory.

The teams lock skates in the final game of the regular season Saturday night at Germain Arena. The Blades host a playoff opening round game Wednesday night.