The Florida Everblades New Year’s homecoming was spoiled by the Cincinnati Cyclones, who recorded a 3-1 victory Wednesday night at Germain Arena.

As a precursor of things to come, the game began exactly the way the Everblades wanted to avoid, with a bad turnover behind their own net 10 seconds into the match that led to the Cyclones’ first goal.

“(Cincinnati) played well,” said Everblades coach Greg Poss, “but when you get down 1-0 10 seconds into the game, and it’s a low-scoring kind of game, you can’t make those kind of mistakes. It’s happened to us now the last four or five games where we have gotten down early and started having to chase teams.”

The Blades (21-15-1) rebounded later in the period as Francis Lemieux tallied his 16th goal of the season to tie it at 1-1 just three minutes before the first intermission.

Despite having two power-play opportunities in the second period, the Blades never were able to capitalize, thanks to poor special teams play with extra-man advantage giving the Cyclones the chance they needed to retake the lead.

The Cyclones (12-13-7) eventually capitalized by beating Everblades goalkeeper Jaroslav Janus (24 saves) for the second time. They tacked on a third goal late in the third period.

The Blades were hurt by the fact only dressed 16 players dressed due to call-ups and injuries.

“Everybody wants to play, and everyone wants responsibility, and now was their chance to get it, but they couldn’t handle it,” said Poss, putting the onus on the players who were suited up for not playing hard throughout the night.

The Blades and Cyclones skate each other again at Germain Arena Friday night.