A late third period goal wasn’t enough as the Solar Bears fell 2-1 to the Gwinnett Gladiators at the Amway Center on Sunday afternoon.
After a scoreless first period, the Gladiators struck for the first goal of the game 12:20 into the second frame. D Dallas Jackson found some open ice at the top of the slot and snuck a shot through traffic for a Gwinnett power play goal. Jackson increased the score to 2-0 with 3:38 to play in the period, earning a breakaway as he left the penalty box and sliding a shot through the legs of G John Curry.
The score remained 2-0 in favor of Gwinnett until late in the final stanza. D Edward Levens held a puck in the zone at the right point and RW Kevin Baker made a quick pas to F Rob Mignardi, who buried a one-timer past G Mike Lee to bring Orlando back to within one. With the goaltender pulled, the Solar Bears made a late push, but they could not find the equalizer as the Gladiators held on for a 2-1 win.
Three Stars: 1. M. Lee (GWT); 2. D. Jackson (GWT); 3. R. Mignradi (ORL)
Power Plays: ORL: 0/2; GWT: 1/4
Shots: ORL: 32; GWT: 28
