Game Recap: Third Period Sinks Solar Bears in 3-1 Loss to Admirals

March 26, 2016

NORFOLK, Va. — The Orlando Solar Bears (31-25-4-5), proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, fell to the Norfolk Admirals (29-32-4-1) by a 3-1 score in front of 4,009 on Saturday night at the Norfolk Scope.

Both teams played through a scoreless first period with Ryan Massa and Nic Riopel trading a number of saves for their clubs.

A carryover penalty to Nicklas Lindberg resulted in the Admirals striking first on the power play in the second period when Alexis Loiseau snapped the puck into the top corner short side past Massa at 1:00 into the frame.

Johnny McInnis got Orlando on the board after he received a pass from Erik Bradford and wristed the puck underneath the blocker of Riopel at the bottom of the left circle at 5:34.

Loiseau pulled Norfolk ahead again in the third period shortly after the Solar Bears completed a penalty kill. Loiseau drove down the right side and fired off a shot that hit the crossbar and deflected back out towards the slot, allowing the Admirals forward to bang home the rebound.

Robbie Czarnik put the game away for Norfolk with a shorthanded goal at 17:12, jamming a loose puck past Massa’s skate.

Massa took the loss with 35 saves on 38 shots against; Riopel picked up the victory with 40 stops on 41 shots against.

NOTES:

• Although Orlando (71 points) earned no points with the loss, the team remains only three points back of the Elmira Jackals (74 points) 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).
• McInnis now has a five-game point streak (3g-4a).