Bears burn Blades 3-1
ORLANDO – Ryan Massa stopped 32 shots to lead the Orlando Solar Bears (12-12-2-3, 29 pts) to a 3-1 victory over the Florida Everblades (22-11-0-0, 44 pts) Saturday night. Even with the loss, the Everblades still retain the lead in the Wawa Sunshine Cup eight points to four.
The Solar Bears (12-17) did not need long to take the lead in the game, scoring their first of the night just over three and a half minutes into the opening period. Receiving the puck, Jack Rodewald lowered his shoulder and forced his way towards the front of the Everblades net. His first shot stopped by Anthony Peters, Rodewald picked up his own rebound and quickly flipped the puck into the open net.
Both teams failed to score in the second period, but it was not for a lack of trying. Both teams had quality scoring chances throughout the middle frame be denied by some great goaltending.
Orlando needed only the first 1:21 of the third period to add to their lead. Getting the puck in the attacking zone, Denver Maderson took a tough angle shot that somehow managed to find a crevice between Anthony Peters and the post.
Down 2-0, the Everblades (22-11) were forced into a highly offensive push. That push finally paid off midway through the third period. Skating into the circle, Justin Agosta fired a simple shot on goal that somehow managed to evade Massa and find its way into the back of the net.
With just over six minutes remaining in the game, the Everblades continued to up the pressure. Pulling the goaltender in favor of the extra attacker, the ‘Blades made one final push in an attempt to tie the game.
Despite peppering Massa with some superb shots, the Everblades could not tie the game as Orlando’s Eric Faille scored an empty net goal with 33-seconds remaining.
Anthony Peters takes the loss despite a quality game in goal for the Everblades, allowing two goals on 32 shots.
The Everblades face the Solar Bears Sunday in the seventh game of the Wawa Sunshine Cup.