The South Division Finals are here, and it’s a classic Florida rivalry as the Orlando Solar Bears and Florida Everblades meet for a shot at the Eastern Conference crown. This series pits two very different paths to the postseason’s second round against each other: Florida swept their opening series in dominant fashion, while Orlando battled through a grueling seven-game war.
Florida: Defense First, Mistake-Free Playoff Hockey
Florida swept their first-round series with surgical precision. At 4–0, the Everblades have allowed just seven total goals, tied for second-fewest in the league. Their penalty kill has been among the best this postseason, operating at 93.3% efficiency, and they’ve yet to allow a power-play goal on the road. Anchored by standout goaltender Cam Johnson (1.53 GAA, .935 SV%), the Everblades pair structure with discipline and suffocate opponents in all three zones. Offensively, they haven’t needed much—scoring just 2.75 goals per game—but their ability to control pace and limit chances gives them the edge in close games.
Blueprint for Shutdown Playoff Hockey
- Undefeated at 4–0 in the playoffs
- League-best penalty kill (93.3%)
- Cam Johnson: 1.53 GAA, .935 SV%
- Just 7 goals allowed through 4 games
- Disciplined, structured, and opportunistic
Orlando: Depth, Grit, and Goaltending
Orlando, by contrast, went the distance. At 4–1–2, the Solar Bears emerged from a bruising seven-game battle with confidence and momentum. They’re averaging 3.43 goals per game, with Aaron Luchuk leading all playoff scorers in goals (5) and rookies Spencer Kersten and Anthony Bardaro delivering timely production. Their power play has converted at 17.6%, slightly ahead of Florida’s 16.7%, but it’s been inconsistent. What stands out more is their penalty kill, which ranks fifth overall at 89.5%, and has been excellent on the road (90.9%).
Grit, Goals, and Gillies
- 4–1–2 record through a seven-game series
- 3.43 goals per game (6th overall)
- Jon Gillies: 440 minutes played, .921 SV%
- Aaron Luchuk leads all scorers with five goals
- Special teams: solid PK (89.5%) but vulnerable to shorties (2 SHGA)
Key to the Series: Special Teams and First Goals
With two defensively sound teams and elite goaltending on both ends, this series could come down to the margins—namely, special teams and who scores first.
Florida enters with one of the best penalty kills in the postseason (93.3%), and they’ve only allowed one power-play goal in four games. Orlando, meanwhile, holds a solid 89.5% PK and a slightly better power play conversion rate (17.6% to Florida’s 16.7%), but they’ve also allowed two shorthanded goals—the most of any team still alive.
First goals will also matter in a big way. Both teams are dominant when striking first: Florida is 3–0, while Orlando is 4–0–1 when opening the scoring. In a series expected to be tight, low-scoring, and potentially full of overtime, seizing early momentum could tip the scale.
The team that wins the special teams battle and controls the first ten minutes each night will likely punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Final.
Goaltending Duel: Gillies vs. Johnson
Goaltending will be front and center in this series—and both starters have delivered elite performances so far.
Orlando’s Jon Gillies leads all playoff goaltenders with 223 total saves, nearly 50 more than the next closest netminder. His workload has been heavy, but he’s responded with poise, sporting a .921 save percentage across seven games and earning a shutout.
Florida’s Cam Johnson hasn’t faced as many shots, but his numbers are more efficient. With a perfect 4–0 record, he’s allowed just seven goals total, posting a 1.53 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage—ranking among the top five goalies in the playoffs.
This series could be won or lost in the crease, and both goalies are capable of stealing games when it matters most.
Key Players to Watch
Florida Everblades
Jordan Sambrook (D): Recorded a power-play goal in the first round and provides critical support from the blue line, helping Florida transition quickly and maintain offensive zone time.
Craig Needham (F): Brings physicality and playoff grit; a tone-setter on the forecheck who forces turnovers and wears down opposing defenses.
Connor Doherty (D): Leads all Florida defensemen in shots (15) and adds steady shutdown play with physical presence in key moments.
Orlando Solar Bears
Aaron Luchuk (F): Leads all playoff skaters with five goals and sits tied for 4th in total points (8). Orlando’s offensive engine and most dangerous forward in open space.
Tyler Bird (F): Seven points in seven games and 25 shots on goal, making him a consistent offensive threat and a key contributor at even strength.
Spencer Kersten (F): Leads all rookies in playoff shots (27) and has four goals, showing confidence and efficiency in high-pressure moments.
Series Schedule
- Game 1: May 2 – Orlando at Florida – 7:30 PM EDT
- Game 2: May 3 – Orlando at Florida – 7:00 PM EDT
- Game 3: May 6 – Florida at Orlando – 7:00 PM EDT
- Game 4: May 9 – Florida at Orlando – 7:00 PM EDT
- Game 5: May 10 – Florida at Orlando – 7:00 PM EDT*
- Game 6: May 12 – Orlando at Florida – 7:30 PM EDT*
- Game 7: May 13 – Orlando at Florida – 7:30 PM EDT*
*If Needed
Prediction: Florida in 6
While Orlando has more firepower and offensive depth, Florida’s championship pedigree, elite goaltending, and smothering team defense make them the favorites. Expect low-scoring, tight-checking games and a few overtime battles. But don’t count the Solar Bears out—if they strike first and stay disciplined, they certainly have the tools in place to steal this series.
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