Game Preview: Solar Bears vs. Admirals - Feb. 26, 2018

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Norfolk AdmiralsVENUE: ARS.com Rink at Amway Center, Orlando, Fla.DATE: Monday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: OSB Radio via MixlrTICKETS: CLICK HERE

PROMOTIONS:

• Chipped Tooth Night – Fans who show up to the Amway Center box office with a chipped or missing tooth will receive free admission to tonight’s game!

TODAY: The Solar Bears (25-25-5-1) face the Norfolk Admirals (21-29-5-1) in the final match of their 2017-18 regular season series. Orlando improved to a 2-3-0-1 record against Norfolk after winning by a 2-1 score on Sunday, but only trails in total goals by a 16-14 margin.

PLAYOFF PICTURE: Orlando’s win over Norfolk pushed the Solar Bears to within one point of third-place Atlanta, with two games in hand. Orlando is also looking to build a cushion on its hold on the fourth and final playoff spot in the South Division, as the Solar Bears lead fifth-place Jacksonville (idle today) by seven points with the same number of games played. A win tonight over the Admirals reduces the magic number for the Solar Bears to 24 points.

SKAPSKI EXPECTED TO START: Goaltender Mackenzie Skapski will get the nod in goal tonight for his second appearance against Norfolk this season. Skapski previously surrendered one goal in a 2-0 loss to the Admirals on Dec. 21, while maintaining a .963 save percentage. Skapski has elevated his play in the month of February, logging a personal season-high .919 save percentage for the month.

BEARS STAYING OUT OF THE BOX: Over the course of the season, the Solar Bears have averaged 5.82 times shorthanded per game. Orlando has stayed below that number through six matches against the Admirals, averaging just 4.5 times shorthanded per game. The Solar Bears continued their strong play on the penalty kill on Sunday against Norfolk, going 3-for-3.

MILESTONES:

• Adam Phillips – 1 assist from 50 career pro assists
• Joshua Winquist – 3 assists from 100 career pro assists
• Hunter Fejes – 4 assists from 50 career pro assists

AFFILIATE NOTES: The Toronto Marlies (39-15-0-1) endured a 7-4 loss to Rochester on Saturday to split their weekend series with the Americans – they will look to get back in the win column on Wednesday at home against the Syracuse Crunch. The Toronto Maple Leafs (39-20-5-0) edged the Boston Bruins by a 4-3 score on Saturday night and battle the Lightning tonight in Tampa.

NEXT GAME: The Solar Bears welcome the Reading Royals back to the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center for the first time in three seasons on Thursday, March 1 at 7 p.m. Single-game tickets for the 2017-18 season are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and ticketmaster.com.

About the Orlando Solar Bears:

The Orlando Solar Bears are in their sixth season of operation in the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America, and are the proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. The Solar Bears are owned and operated by the Orlando Magic and the DeVos Family, and play at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center, the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year.

Fiesta Four Packs, presented by CenturyLink, are now available for purchase! Pick four games and get gift certificates to Sonny’s BBQ, Dick’s Sporting Goods, QDOBA Mexican Eats and a FREE center ice ticket to our Noche Latina game, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson on Friday, March 23 against the South Carolina Stingrays! Packs start as low as $64 and include $68 in FREE gifts! Click here or call (407) 951-8200 for more information.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.