ECHL South Division Finals – Game 2 Recap: Orlando Solar Bears vs Florida Everblades

The Florida Everblades secured a 6-2 win over the Orlando Solar Bears in Game Two of the South Division Finals on Saturday night at Hertz Arena. The result gives Florida a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series as it shifts to Orlando for the next three games. Tarun Fizer scored in both the first and second periods and was one of five Florida players to post multi-point performances in front of a crowd of 6,508.

First Period

The Everblades wasted no time getting on the board, scoring just under four minutes into the game. Tarun Fizer notched his first goal of the postseason, assisted by Jesse Lansdell and Anton Malmström.

GOAL (3:59): Tarun Fizer (FLA) – Even Strength | Assists: Jesse Lansdell, Anton Malmström

Just 30 seconds later, Colton Hargrove extended the Florida lead with his fourth goal of the playoffs, set up by Dillon Hamaliuk and Jordan Sambrook.

GOAL (4:29): Colton Hargrove (FLA) – Even Strength | Assists: Dillon Hamaliuk, Jordan Sambrook

Orlando responded at 11:18 after a lengthy video review confirmed Ara Nazarian’s second goal of the postseason, assisted by Anthony Bardaro and Tyson Feist. The period ended with the Blades up 2-1 and leading in shots, 14-9.

GOAL (11:18): Ara Nazarian (ORL) – Even Strength | Assists: Anthony Bardaro, Tyson Feist

Second Period

Florida increased its lead just over five minutes into the middle frame, with Fizer finding the net again—this time off a feed from Jesse Lansdell for his second goal of the night.

GOAL (25:07): Tarun Fizer (FLA) – Even Strength | Assists: Jesse Lansdell

Orlando had a power play opportunity early after an interference penalty on Jordan Sambrook at 1:41 but failed to convert. Later, a too-many-men bench minor on Florida gave the Solar Bears another chance, but they couldn’t capitalize.

Florida ended the period up 3-1, despite being outshot 8-7 in the frame.

Third Period

The final period was the most action-packed of the night. Just under five minutes in, Logan Lambdin scored his second of the playoffs off a feed from Colton Hargrove to widen the lead.

GOAL (44:55): Logan Lambdin (FLA) – Even Strength | Assists: Colton Hargrove

A few minutes later, Dillon Hamaliuk added his first goal of the postseason, with assists going to Lambdin and Connor Doherty.

GOAL (47:41): Dillon Hamaliuk (FLA) – Even Strength | Assists: Logan Lambdin, Connor Doherty

Anthony Bardaro responded for Orlando with an unassisted tally, cutting the lead to 5-2.

GOAL (56:41): Anthony Bardaro (ORL) – Even Strength | Unassisted

At 18:40, a flurry of roughing and tripping penalties were handed out to both teams following a scrum.

Shortly after, Kyle Betts sealed the win for Florida with an empty-net goal. Orlando outshot Florida 17-7 in the period but couldn’t close the gap.

Penalties added an extra layer of intensity to an already high-stakes matchup. The Orlando Solar Bears were assessed 20 penalty minutes across six infractions, including a ten-minute misconduct to Kelly Bent in the third period. The Florida Everblades, meanwhile, totaled 14 penalty minutes on seven infractions, with several coincidental roughing calls in the final frame. The steady stream of penalties throughout the game reflected the physical nature of the contest and the rising tension between these in-state rivals.

Final Stats

With the 6–2 win in Game Two, the Florida Everblades now lead the South Division Finals series two games to none over the Orlando Solar Bears. Five different Everblades skaters recorded multi-point nights, including Tarun Fizer, who scored twice and earned First Star honors. Logan Lambdin and Dillon Hamaliuk helped break the game open in the third period, while Kyle Betts sealed the outcome with an empty-netter.

Despite a 34–28 shot advantage—bolstered by a 17–7 third period—the Solar Bears were unable to recover from Florida’s early offensive push. Cam Johnson, the ECHL Goaltender of the Year, turned in another solid playoff performance, stopping 32 of 34 shots to improve to 6–0 in the postseason. Orlando’s Jon Gillies made 22 saves on 27 shots in 57 minutes of play. The Everblades now head north with a commanding series lead as the series shifts to Orlando.

Final Score: Florida Everblades 6, Orlando Solar Bears 2
Series: Florida leads 2–0
Date: May 3, 2025
Location: Hertz Arena – Attendance: 6,508
Shots on Goal: ORL 34 (9–8–17), FLA 28 (14–7–7)
Power Play: ORL 0/3, FLA 0/1
Penalty Minutes: ORL 20 (6 infractions), FLA 14 (7 infractions)

Goaltending

Up Next

Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Florida Everblades at Orlando Solar Bears
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM EDT
Kia Center, Orlando, Florida

The South Division Finals now shift to Orlando, where the Solar Bears will host the Florida Everblades for Game Three on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, at the Kia Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT. With Florida leading the best-of-seven series 2-0, Orlando will look to regroup on home ice and cut into the deficit, while the Everblades aim to keep their momentum rolling and push the Solar Bears to the brink.