Game Preview: Solar Bears at Gladiators - April 6, 2018

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears at Atlanta GladiatorsVENUE: Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth, Ga.DATE: Friday, April 6 at 7:35 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: OSB Radio via Mixlr

TONIGHT: The Orlando Solar Bears (33-28-6-3) complete their 2017-18 regular season series with the Atlanta Gladiators (31-34-2-3). Orlando has posted a 2-5-0-0 record against Atlanta this season, but has won two of the previous three meetings against their South Division rivals.

WINQUIST LEADS THE WAY: Forward Joshua Winquist paces Orlando with eight points (5g-3a) in five games against the Gladiators. Winquist also carries a two-game assist streak into tonight’s game.

SKAPSKI GETS THE START: Mackenzie Skapski is expected to get the nod in net tonight for Orlando. The fourth-year pro has posted a 2-2-0 record against Altanta in five appearances this season, with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.

SPECIAL TEAMS ENJOYING LATE SURGE: Over its last two games, Orlando’s power play has converted on 3-of-11 of its opportunities (27.27%), while going 9-of-10 (90%) on its penalty kill. Both numbers exceed Orlando’s head-to-head totals against Atlanta through the first seven games of the regular season series.

STREAKS:

• Martins Dzierkals – 3-game point streak (1g-3a)
• Joe Perry – 2-game point streak (4g-2a)
• J.J. Piccinich – 2-game point streak (1g-2a)
• Max Novak – 2-game assist streak (3a)
• Joshua Winquist – 2-game assist streak (2a)

MILESTONES:

• Kale Kerbashian – 3 goals from 100 in professional career
• Sean Zimmerman – 2 points from 100 in professional career

AFFILIATE NOTES: The Toronto Marlies (51-18-1-1) are on the hunt for a sixth consecutive win tonight when they visit the Utica Comets to wrap up a home-and-home set. The Toronto Maple Leafs (48-26-6-1) dropped a 2-1 decision to New Jersey on Thursday, and return to action Saturday at home against Montreal.

NEXT GAME: The Solar Bears conclude the 2017-18 regular season tomorrow, as they face the South Carolina Stingrays at 7:05 p.m. at North Charleston Coliseum.

PLAYOFF TICKETS: The Solar Bears will play the South Carolina Stingrays in the South Division Semifinals of the 2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs, and will host the following games at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center:

• Game 3 – Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m
• Game 4 – Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m.
• Game 5 – Sunday, April 22 at 6 p.m. (if necessary)

Tickets for the first round of the 2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs are on sale now – fans can purchase tickets starting at $18 through the Amway Center box office or by visiting 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.

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