Late Nailers power-play goal gives Solar Bears 3-2 loss

WHEELING, W.Va. – The Orlando Solar Bears (19-18-5-1) scored two power-play goals, but the Wheeling Nailers (20-18-5-0) scored a late goal with the man advantage to break a 2-2 tie and send Orlando to a 3-2 loss on Friday night at WesBanco Arena.

Box Score

Alexey Lipanov gave the Solar a 1-0 lead when he snapped a shot from the left circle over the glove of Alex D’Orio at 10:58 of the first period.

Ryan Scarfo redirected an Alex Butcher shot through Zachary Fucale at 14:51 of the second period to tie the score.

The Nailers took their first lead of the game at 3:05 of the third period with a shorthanded tally, as Myles Powell slipped the puck past Fucale.

The Solar Bears went on an extended power play when Aaron Titcomb was given a major penalty and a game misconduct for cross-checking Trevor Olson at 4:25; Olson got revenge when he deflected Eric Drapluk’s shot past D’Orio at 9:20 for his 14th of the season to tie the score at 2-2.

A slashing penalty to Dylan Fitze at 14:56 put the Nailers on the power play, and the hosts converted when Cam Brown fired the puck through the legs of Fucale at 15:51 for the eventual game-winner.

Fucale took the loss with 23 saves on 26 shots against; D’Orio picked up the win with 34 stops on 36 shots against.

THREE STARS:

1. Cam Brown – WHL
2. Alex D’Orio – WHL
3. Myles Powell – WHL  

OTHER NOTABLES:

• The Solar Bears went 6-5-1-0 in the month of January
• Olson recorded a goal for the second straight game; he led Orlando in scoring for the month with 14 points (9g-5a) in 12 games, and his nine goals led the Eastern Conference for the month
• Lipanov’s goal was his team-leading fifth power-play goal of the season; the rookie ranks tied for third among first-year players in power-play tallies  

NEXT GAMES:

The Solar Bears continue their four-game road trip with their second game against the Nailers on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7:35 p.m. The Solar Bears return home to host the South Carolina Stingrays on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. for a Thirsty Thursday, presented by Coors Light, featuring $5 domestic draft beers. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for this game.

Purchase Single-Game Tickets:

Single-game tickets for all Solar Bears home games are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and Ticketmaster. CLICK HERE to download the calendar for the 2019-20 season.

Order New Jerseys:

The Orlando Solar Bears will wear new jerseys for the 2019-20 season. Replica jerseys are available for purchase online, with adult sizes available for $149.95 and youth sizes available for $109.95. Fans can visit bit.ly/OSBJerseys to place their order today.

2019-20 Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now:

Upgrade to Solar Status and become a Season Ticket Member today. Season ticket memberships for the 2019-20 season are now on sale and start as little as $270 – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

2019-20 Season Presented by XYMOPrint:

The 2019-20 Orlando Solar Bears season is presented by XYMOPrint, Orlando’s digital printing experts. As a special offer, fans who call XYMOPrint at (888) 223-9390 from now until June 15, 2021 and reference the Solar Bears will receive 15% off their first order and a free Orlando Solar Bears poster!

About the Orlando Solar Bears:

The Orlando Solar Bears are the proud affiliate of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and members of the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America. In seven seasons of operation, the team has qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs five times. The Solar Bears are owned and operated by the Orlando Magic and the DeVos Family, and play 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 at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.