Game Recap: McInnis Leads Solar Bears to 2-1 Shootout Win Over Gladiators

February 12, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (20-19-2-4), proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, prevailed over the Atlanta Gladiators (26-17-3-2) by a 2-1 score in the shootout in front of a crowd of 5,366 on Friday night at the Amway Center.

Atlanta capitalized on a power play midway through the first period when Thomas Frazee banged home a Matt Register rebound past Ryan Massa at 8:02.

The Solar Bears got on the board in the second period when Rory Rawlyk connected with Matt Rupert on a stretch pass, allowing the rookie forward to speed down the left wing and beat Kent Patterson at the far post at 4:52.

Orlando largely controlled the puck possession battle in the third period, outshooting Atlanta 12-7 in the final stanza of regulation, but the score remained tied after 60 minutes, sending the game to overtime.

The extra session produced no deciding goal, and the game went to a shootout. No shooters converted in the mandatory first three rounds, but in the fourth round Ryan Massa got enough of Justin Buzzeo’s attempt with his glove, leaving the game to be decided by Johnny McInnis in his first shootout attempt on the season. The forward curled from the left circle and fired a wrist shot that beat Patterson to the glove side to seal the first shootout win on home ice of the season for Orlando.

Massa picked up the win with 30 saves on 31 shots against; Patterson took the shootout loss with 31 stops on 32 shots against.