ORLANDO, FLA – The Atlanta Gladiators fell behind late to the host Orlando Solar Bears and never recovered, losing by a final of 5-2 on Sunday afternoon.
The first period began with Solar Bears striking first thanks to forward Trevor Olson. It did not take long for the Gladiators to respond with a strike by forward Avery Peterson. It would stay deadlocked until the period ended.
The Gladiatorss defense stepped up big time in the second period, being outshot 14 to 9, but they held Orlando scoreless in the second frame. Meanwhile defenseman Joel Messner tallied his 7th goal of the season, giving the Gladiators a 2-1 lead heading into the final period.
The third period proved to be a different story. While the Gladiators outshot the Solar Bears 16 to 13, they couldn’t find the back of the net. The Solar Bears made short work of the power play and went up by 2 quickly. Another goal and an empty-netter put the rest of the game in the books.
The Gladiators, after the loss, are eight points behind the Solar Bears in the playoff race. They return to home ice on February 18th on Taco Tuesday against Adirondack.
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