ECHL South Division Finals – Game 3 Recap: Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears

The Orlando Solar Bears earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory over the Florida Everblades in Game Three of the South Division Finals on Tuesday night at Kia Center. The result snapped Florida’s six-game postseason winning streak and cut the Everblades’ series lead to 2–1 in the best-of-seven showdown.

First Period

The opening 20 minutes were filled with physical play and penalties but no goals. Both teams traded early minors—Jesse Lansdell for hooking and Spencer Kersten for the same. Midway through the period, a scrum led to Kyle Neuber (roughing) and Ryan O’Reilly (roughing and interference on the goaltender) both heading to the box.

The period’s most significant penalty came at 14:53, when Sean Allen was assessed a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct. Florida managed to kill off the extended power play and closed the period tied 0–0 despite being outshot 14–6.

In a penalty-heavy first period, Florida was assessed a total of 23 minutes on six infractions, while Orlando totaled 6 minutes on three penalties.

Penalties – First Period

• 5:13 – FLA: Jesse Lansdell, 2:00 Hooking
• 5:23 – ORL: Spencer Kersten, 2:00 Hooking
• 9:17 – FLA: Kyle Neuber, 2:00 Roughing
• 9:17 – ORL: Ryan O’Reilly, 2:00 Roughing
• 9:17 – ORL: Ryan O’Reilly, 2:00 Interference on the Goaltender
• 11:55 – FLA: Kade Landry, 2:00 Tripping
• 14:53 – FLA: Sean Allen, 5:00 Interference (Major) & 10:00 Game Misconduct
• 19:48 – FLA: Isaac Nurse, 2:00 Hooking

Second Period

Orlando opened the scoring just 2:50 into the middle frame when forward Spencer Kersten fired the puck past the glove of Cam Johnson for an unassisted tally.

GOAL (2:50): Spencer Kersten (ORL) – Even Strength | Unassisted

Despite a strong push from Florida—outshooting Orlando 16–2 in the period—Solar Bears goaltender Ryan Fanti held strong, stopping everything that came his way to preserve the 1–0 lead heading into the third.

Penalties – Second Period

• 3:28 – ORL: Kelly Bent, 2:00 Cross-Checking
• 19:41 – ORL: Tyson Feist, 2:00 Slashing

Third Period

Orlando extended its lead at 12:39 of the third when Aaron Luchuk scored his sixth of the playoffs on a setup from Jack Adams and Spencer Kersten.

GOAL (12:39): Aaron Luchuk (ORL) – Even Strength | Assists: Jack Adams, Spencer Kersten

The Everblades cut the lead to one with 1:25 remaining in regulation. Florida pulled goaltender Cam Johnson for the extra attacker with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. The move paid off. Isaac Nurse netted his first of the playoffs off a setup from Jesse Lansdell.

GOAL (18:35): Isaac Nurse (FLA) – Extra Attacker | Assists: Jesse Lansdell

Florida nearly tied the game in the final moments, but Tarun Fizer was denied from point-blank range with 1.9 seconds left, sealing the win for Orlando.

Final Stats

Final Score: Orlando 2, Florida 1

Shots on Goal: Florida 31, Orlando 22

Goaltenders:
 – Cam Johnson (FLA): 20 saves on 22 shots
 – Ryan Fanti (ORL): 30 saves on 31 shots

Series: Florida leads 2–1

Up Next: Game Four

The South Division Finals continue Friday, May 9 at Kia Center as the Orlando Solar Bears host the Florida Everblades in Game Four. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT.