The Florida Everblades didn't get to play at home for Thanksgiving, but they still have lots to be thankful for after winning seven of a possible wight points last week while on their current road trip against a trio of ECHL North Division foes.

"The guys are definitely playing well right now," said Blades coach Malcolm Cameron. "They are sticking to the game plan - playing hard and working every shift."

There was some concern that the Blades would have issues scoring goals with call-ups to the AHL for Brandon Buck, just before hitting the road, as well as Rob Hennigar and Jacob Micflikier at the start of the road trip.

Fortunately, Micflikier was gone for only two days, returning Monday, but Florida's hot offense over the last week - 21 goals in four games - has been propelled by the return of Kevin Baker (seven points in three games) and newcomer Harrison Reed.

"It's good to have Kevin back on the ice," said Cameron. "He hasn't been healthy all year. He is now, and it shows with his play on the ice.

"Reed is a Carolina (Hurricane) prospect who was sent down to get more ice time," Cameron added. "We knew when he got here that he could score. He is young, he could have played juniors last year, but chose to turn pro instead He is a great talent and it's showed since he joined us."

Score he has, since joining the team for their game against the Wheeling Nailers the day before Thanksgiving Reed has tallied an impressive six goals and five assists in four games.

"He definitely has helped ease the loss of Rob (Hennigar)," said Cameron.

The Everblades also have seen the return of their once dominant power play unit. Early in the season, their power play (ranked first at the end of last season) was non existent, but with six goals in 24 attempts in the last week, it appears to be well on its way back to form.

"It was just a matter of time," explained Cameron. "The guys had to get used to playing with each other on special teams, and sometimes that just takes a little time, but obviously, it's really starting to come around now."

The Everblades' strong play couldn't have come at a better time. When they left for a two-week road trip before Thanksgiving they were tied for last place in the South Division. Earning seven points in four games, they now are second in the division, just five points behind the South Carolina Stingrays.

The Blades have three more road games in the week ahead, starting Wednesday at Toledo. The trip ends in Cincinnati with games Friday and Saturday.

The Blades return to Germain Arena Dec. 9 to begin a six-game, two-week homestand, starting with three games against division the rival Charlotte Checkers.