Game Recap: Solar Bears Top 'Blades, 3-1

January 2, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (12-13-2-3), proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, picked up their second win in as many nights against the Florida Everblades (22-11-0-0) by a 3-1 score in front of a crowd of 7,661 on Saturday night at the Amway Center.

The Solar Bears struck first in the opening period when Jack Rodewald followed his own rebound and buried a low shot on Anthony Peters at 3:32.

Ryan Massa held the Everblades at bay through the first and second periods, including a highlight-reel breakaway save on Kevin Lynch in the middle frame.

Orlando extended its lead in the third period when Denver Manderson wired a shot above the glove of Peters into the net at 13:55 to put the Solar Bears ahead by two.

Justin Agosta spoiled Massa’s shutout bid when he snapped a shot from the left circle past the netminder at 13:55.

The Everblades pulled Peters late in the frame, but Eric Faille sealed the victory for Orlando with an empty-net tally at 19:27.

Massa picked up the win with 32 saves on 33 shots against; Peters took the loss with 30 stops on 32 shots against.

NOTES:

• Prior to the game, the Solar Bears traded rookie forward Scott Wamsganz to the Missouri Mavericks. Wamsganz, 23, recorded no points in seven games this season for the Solar Bears.
• With the win, the Solar Bears improved their record to 2-4-0-0 this season against the Everblades in the Wawa Sunshine Cup Series. The two teams resume play tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Amway Center.