In the locker room and on the ice, one can tell there is something different about this year’s Florida Everblades team. That something special is happening before our very eyes.

“I hope to think so,” said five-year Everblade Earnie Hartlieb said after Wednesday’s practice session. “Since the beginning of the season, with all the guys and the success that we have had so far this season, I think it’s special.”

Special, because the Everblades own the best record (38-16-3) in the ECHL; special, because they have the league leader in goals and points in Kevin Baker (47 and 83, respectively); special because they have the league’s best goaltender in David Leggio; and special because they have the league’s best power-play and offense.

We can’t forget they have the league’s third-best defense in both goals and shots allowed per game.

Ok, that may be a little repetitive, but you get the point – with just 15 games left in the regular season, they are the best team in the league.

“We’ve had a pretty special year,” said Blades coach Malcolm Cameron. “Since January first, we have had the best record in the league ever since training camp I knew that we had a pretty special group of guys here, and if we can keep the core group of guys here for the rest of the year, then I think we have a real chance of success.”

By success Cameron means winning the Kelly Cup, which was the only goal for the team that Cameron and president Craig Brush put together this year.

Some of those special players include Baker and Mark Lee.

Though Lee doesn’t have the impressive stats that Baker does, Lee still has performed well – 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in just 35 games.

“Absolutely,” Lee said of the team starting to gel at entering the last month of the regular season. “I think we are really starting to get back to the hockey we are capable of playing. Guys are finally starting to get comfortable playing with each other and accepting their role on their team going into the playoffs.”

“The last week helped us out,” added Baker. “We had a rough February. We struggled on the road and in execution and with what we want to accomplish, but this last week really helped us out.”

Florida won its last three games in February, washing away what otherwise was a dismal month, going 7-8-1 in their only losing month of the year.

“Guys are more upbeat,” Baker said. “There’s not many games left and the guys are happy to be here and are ready (for the playoffs).”

The excitement and desire on the part of the players to get the playoffs under way is obvious, but with 15 regular season games left, there is still work to be done.

“The Wheeling Nailers were first overall in the league on January 1, but right now are out of a playoff spot,” said Cameron. “I think with the fact we have won as many games as we have that we have a special group of guys.”

The Blades continues their final season push Friday and Saturday nights at Germain Arena with a pair of games against the Mississippi Sea Wolves.

The Everblades will wear special “Pink in the Rink” themed jerseys Friday night that will be auctioned off live following the game. Proceeds raised will be split between the Cancer Alliance of Naples, Cape Coral Relay for Life and the Deb Kelsey Foundation.

Also, Hartlieb will donate his hair to Locks of Love, which provides donated hair to financially disadvantaged children under 18 battling cancer in the U.S. and Canada. Fans interested in donating their hair can participate after the game as well, as long as it meets the specific guidelines set by Locks of Love.