READING, Pa. – In a wild game, the Reading Royals beat the Florida Everblades 7-6 Wednesday night in the ECHL’s American Conference semifinal playoffs.

Mike Bayrack’s three-goal, two-assist effort wasn’t enough for the Everblades as the Royals take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. ECHL postseason leading scorer Milan Gajic (1G, 3A), captain Ross Carlson (1G, 2A) and Bayrack accounted for 12 of the Blades’ 18 points.

The Everblades fell behind early and often before fighting back to take a 6-4 lead with 17 minutes to go.

The Royals scored two quick goals to tie it at 6-6, then recaptured the lead on Jared Ross’ second goal of the game.

Game 2 in the series drops the puck at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. The series shifts to Germain Arena Saturday for Game 3.