A fast start and sound finish: Atlanta's early efforts set the stage for a 3-1 win over Orlando to open up their 3 games in 3 consecutive game stretch and push for playoff positioning
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Preview: Orlando Solar Bears (24-33-4-1/53 points/7th place in the ECHL South) vs Atlanta Gladiators (39-19-2-1/81 points/3rd place in the ECHL South)
Coming into tonight's opening game (March 26, 2026 at the Gas South District) of a 2-game back-to-back series (along with a 3-and-3/3 games on 3 consecutive days for their homestand), the visiting Orlando Solar Bears and Atlanta Gladiators appear to be heading in different directions. And while this may be the case, the fact it's yet another division series, both teams have their share of things to play for.
Orlando only has 10 regular season games left, and while they are currently in last place in the ECHL South and 9 points out of 4th place in the division (as the top 4 teams in each division make the playoffs/16 teams overall), not only do they have a mathematical chance of making the postseason, but can could alter the Gladiators' plans of earning home-ice for the 1st round of the playoffs. Reece Newkirk (19 goals/32 assists/51 points/-10 rating) and Aaron Luchuk (20 goals/28 assists/48 points/-22 rating) lead an offense scoring 2.53 goals per game; they'll likely find it a challenge to generate goals against the Gladiators' defense, as they are one of the top defenses in the ECHL, allowing 2.48 goals per game (5th in the league). Ethan Haider is between the pipes/starting at goaltender for the Glads (20-10-1-1/1 shutout/2.43 goals allowed average/.922 save percentage) and looks to shut down the efforts of the Solar Bears.
Atlanta is only 2 points out of 2nd place, as they are chasing their probable playoff opponent, the South Carolina Stingrays (83 points), for home-ice advantage in the 1st round of the playoffs. Alex Young (24 goals/30 assists/54 points/+9 rating) and Chad Nychuk (8 goals/41 assists/49 points/+15 rating) set the tone for the offense, as they are averaging close to 3 goals per game (2.90 goals per game average). They'll look to take advantage of a Solar Bear defense allowing slightly more than 3 goals per game (3.18 goals allowed per game) and get off to a fast start in the opening game of the series and homestand. Connor Ungar (7-7-2-2/1 shutout/2.33 goals allowed average/.920 save percentage) draws the start in goal for the Solar Bears.
Recap: An improved start by Atlanta results in a win to open up their 3-game homestand (3 games in 3 days).
Atlanta gets off to an early start as Alex Young's 25th goal of the season (4:13 in the 1st period/assisted by Joey Cipollone and Cody Sylvester) gives them a 1-0 lead.
Orlando would even the score at the 17:25 mark of the 1st period as Cole Kodsi's shot slips into the net (his 9th goal of the season/assisted by Logan Britt and Andrew Bruder) to tie the game at 1.
The Glads would retake the lead in the 2nd period. Jack O'Brien's 23rd goal of the season (assisted by Cam Gaudette and Nolan Orzeck at the 12:32 mark of the 2nd period) puts them back on top by a 2-1 score.
In the 3rd period, Orlando ramps up their chippy play against Atlanta (including a goal waived off at the 11:53 mark of the period), including a few physical flurries at the 14:03 mark of the period, but the Glads continue to maintain their focus.
Their focus comes to fruition at the 15:27 mark of the 3rd period. The Glads scores on the power play thanks to Isak Walther's 22nd goal of the season (assisted by Chad Nychuk and Cody Sylvester) to expand their lead to 3-1.
At the 16:53 mark of the period, the physical play escalates to where both teams are assessed penalties. Orlando alternates pulling the goalie to create a few 5 on 4 opportunities, but the Glads' defense responds and closes out the game with the win.
Post-game: Atlanta's fast start, offensive pressure, and suffocating defense are the difference in their win.
Atlanta's ability to get off to a fast start and playing ahead is one of the keys to their win this evening. After the fast start, the Glads' offense is relentless given their huge advantage in shots on goal (32 to 18) and converting on the power play (1 for 4 compared to 0 for 3 for Orlando).
Ethan Haider turns away 17 of 18 shots for another solid performance in net (Orlando's Connor Ungar stops 29 of 32 shots).
For post-game, Jack O'Brien and Alex Young speak with the media. Both note the team's focus and attention to detail as part of the reason for their win, along with the preparation needed for the rematch with Orlando, their goals for the series, and their pursuit of earning home-ice advantage for the playoffs (you may watch the full responses below):
Tonight's win marks the team's 3rd in a row; they'll look to build on their current streak for the duration of the homestand and beyond.
Notes: You may watch our 2025-26 in-season snapshots and interviews on our season playlist (click HERE to view). Atlanta resumes play at the Gas South District for Hockey Heritage Weekend on March 27th in a rematch with the Orlando Solar Bears and on March 28th against the Jacksonville Ice Men (click HERE for our preview).
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