Game Recap: Solar Bears Earn Point in 4-3 OT Loss to Admirals

March 25, 2016

NORFOLK, Va. — The Orlando Solar Bears (31-24-4-5), proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, rallied in the third period to earn a point but ultimately fell to the Norfolk Admirals (28-32-4-1) by a 4-3 score in overtime in front of 3,494 on Friday night at the Norfolk Scope.

The Admirals used two goals in the game’s first minute to build an early lead, as Steven Whitney and Braden Christoffer buried chances past Rob Madore at 0:39 and 1:00 respectively.

Orlando responded with a power-play goal from Rylan Schwartz at 10:18, but Norfolk restored its two-goal edge with a goal on the man advantage from Whitney at 13:29.

Both teams traded opportunities in the second frame but Madore made seven stops while Nic Riopel turned aside all eight Solar Bears shots in the period.

The Solar Bears stormed back midway through the final stanza as Baier stole the puck in the attacking zone and fed it to Johnny McInnis, who fired it past Riopel at 11:33.

After T.J. Foster drew a high-sticking call against Nick MacNeil at 12:35, Orlando tied the score when Baier unleashed a blast from the left point at 12:50.

The game remained tied at the end of regulation but Danick Gauthier’s goal at 3:30 of the extra frame secured the win for the hosts.

Madore took the overtime loss with 32 saves on 36 shots against; Riopel picked up the victory with 30 stops on 33 shots against.

NOTES:

• With the point earned Orlando (71 points) is now three points behind the Elmira Jackals for eighth place in the Eastern Conference and a spot in the 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Solar Bears have two games in hand on the Jackals.
• Erik Bradford's assist on McInnis' goal extended his point streak to a team-leading nine games (3g-6a).
• Schwartz's performance extended his point streak to five games (5g-5a).
• McInnis now has a five-game point streak (3g-4a).
• Manderson's assist on Schwartz's goal extended his point streak to four games (1g-6a).