ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (26-27-5-1) saw a 3-0 lead in the first period erased by the Atlanta Gladiators (28-28-1-2) as the visitors scored six straight goals and dealt Orlando a 6-3 loss on Tuesday night at the Jewett Orthopaedic Rink at Amway Center.
As a result of the loss, Orlando has slipped back to fifth place in the South Division; Orlando can jump up to third place with a win at home on Wednesday, March 4 vs. Greenville.
Jimmy Huntington gave Orlando a 1-0 lead when he skipped the puck through the legs of Sean Bonar with a shot from the right circle at 11:09 to net his third of the season.
Cody Donaghey made it 2-0 when his shot from the right point snuck past Bonar at 12:35 to give the defenseman his fourth of the season.
Trevor Olson extended the lead to three goals with his team-leading.
Derek Nesbitt banged home a rebound at 15:20 to get Atlanta on the board, and Avery Peterson scored a power-play goal at 17:16 to pull the Gladiators to within one.
The onslaught continued in the second period as Zach Malatesta beat Jeff Smith with a shot from the high slot at 10:41, and Eric Neiley scored a shorthanded goal (11:55) and a power-play marker at 15:50 to give the Gladiators a 5-3 lead at the end of 40 minutes.
Luke Nogard added a power-play goal at 11:03 of the third period to cap the scoring.
Smith took the loss with 27 saves on 33 shots against; Bonar earned the victory for Atlanta with 40 saves on 43 shots against.
THREE STARS:
- Eric Neiley – ATL
- Derek Nesbitt – ATL
- Zach Malatesta – ATL
OTHER NOTABLES:
- Despite the loss, Orlando requires only 25 more points to secure a playoff spot
- Donaghey and Olson each finished the night with 1g-1a for the Solar Bears
NEXT GAME:
The Solar Bears host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. for a Wine Down Wednesday – fans can take advantage of $5 wine specials during the game. CLICK HERE for tickets to this game.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
New Mexico Goatheads
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trenton Ironhawks
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers