Playing their first divisional game in more than a month, the Florida Everblades returned to Germain Arena Wednesday night having to come from behind to earn a hard-fought 4-3 overtime victory over the Charlotte Checkers.

“We were a little up and down in that second period,” said Everblades coach Malcolm Cameron, “but at the end of the day it’s a 60-minute game for a reason.”

The Checkers (12-6-3) dominated the opening period, netting three goals on starting goaltender Barry Brust (eight saves).

After switching to Mike Morrison in net, the Blades (12-9-4) came right back to score just 26 seconds into the second period when Matt Duffy fired home a Brandon Buck rebound to get back into the contest.

Back-and-forth play dominated the remainder of the period and the Blades still trailed 3-1 heading into the third period.

“It’s great that we have the ability to come back,” said Cameron. “It shows we are never out of a hockey game, but it would be awful nice to get a two- or three-goal lead for a change as opposed to chasing from behind.”

The Blades set a fast in the third. With Morrison in net (19 saves), they found confidence in applying relentless pressure on Charlotte. Just 2 1/2 minutes into the final period Brandon Buck scored his sixth goal of the season to bring the Blades within 3-2.

Rookie Harrison Reed’s first goal on home ice tied the game and forced overtime. Veteran Ryan Lang scored the game-winner midway through the extra time.

“Nobody can be singled out for the effort in the third period,” said Cameron. “Everybody that got on the ice did an extra special job of being determined, and you have to be determined to win.”

The Blades and Checkers skate again Friday and Saturday nights.