ECHL South Division Recap | Week 22

This upcoming week in the South Division is shaping up to be a pivotal stretch as teams battle for every point heading into the final push for the playoffs. After a week marked by hard-fought wins and tough losses—from South Carolina’s dominant run to mixed results for Florida and Jacksonville—the spotlight now turns to those still in the hunt for postseason berths.

With critical matchups on the schedule, particularly for Orlando, Savannah, Greenville, and even Atlanta (which is banking on favorable outcomes despite not playing this week), every shift on the ice could redefine the playoff landscape. This week’s games will not only test each team’s resilience but also determine who can capitalize on momentum and close the gap in this fiercely contested division.

South Carolina Stingrays

CLINCHED

1st in South (89 Points), Record: 42-14-3-2

The Stingrays now lead the division with 89 points, bolstered by a stellar home record (25-3-3-1) and an explosive recent run (9-1-0-0 in their last ten games). Last week, they demonstrated their strength by winning a 2–1 game against Savannah on March 9, a 5–2 victory over Greenville on March 12, and then securing two consecutive wins against Atlanta (6–3 on March 14 and 3–1 on March 15). Their upcoming game on Friday, March 21 at 7:05 PM EDT—when they host Greenville—may widen their lead even further, solidifying their already secure playoff position.

Florida Everblades

CLINCHED

2nd in South (88 Points), Record: 40-13-7-1

Florida remains one of the league’s top squads, sitting just one point behind South Carolina. With strong performances at home (21-8-1-0) and on the road (19-5-6-1), the Everblades have been consistent all season. Last week, they split results by winning 4–2 at home against Savannah on March 12, then losing 2–6 to Savannah on March 14, before rebounding with a 4–2 win in an away game at Orlando on March 15. This week, Florida faces a crucial away contest at Greenville on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:05 PM EDT, followed by two home games against Savannah on Thursday, March 20 (7:00 PM EDT) and Friday, March 21 (7:30 PM EDT). Strong performances in these matchups will be vital for Florida to maintain their edge in the standings.

Jacksonville Icemen

CLINCHED

3rd in South (82 Points), Record: 38-17-5-1

Jacksonville has built its reputation on gritty, hard-fought games. Their impressive home record (22-5-2-1) and a recent last-ten run (7-1-2-0) have kept them in third place with 82 points. Last week, they experienced a setback with a 4–1 loss on the road to Orlando on March 14 but bounced back with a 5–2 win over Savannah on March 15. They now look to build momentum by hosting Orlando on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 PM EDT. While this game primarily affects overall momentum and point differentials, a win for Jacksonville helps maintain a gap between the top and lower-ranked teams, indirectly benefiting the playoff scramble among those still chasing a berth.

Orlando Solar Bears

4th in South (74 Points), Record: 32-21-10-0

Orlando finds itself in a must-win scenario as it vies for that crucial final playoff berth. Sitting at 74 points, they are determined to close the gap with higher-ranked rivals. Last week, Orlando enjoyed a 4–1 win on the road against Jacksonville on March 14 but then dropped a 4–2 home contest to Florida on March 15. Their upcoming road game against Jacksonville on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 PM EDT is pivotal—a victory will not only boost their point total but also improve their overall momentum as they chase a postseason spot.

Atlanta Gladiators

5th in South (59 Points), Record: 26-28-5-2

Atlanta’s season has been marred by inconsistency, and with 59 points on a 26-28-5-2 record, they are still fighting to remain in the playoff mix. Last week, Atlanta suffered three consecutive losses, including a 2–5 loss on the road to Toledo on March 9, and two home defeats to South Carolina (a 6–3 loss on March 14 and a 3–1 loss on March 15). With no game scheduled this week, Atlanta’s fate hinges on the results of other key matchups. For the Gladiators to improve their position, they need to see Orlando lose its road game against Jacksonville, and they require that both Savannah and Greenville drop points in their games against Florida and South Carolina. Their probability of climbing into a playoff position is estimated at around one in four.

Savannah Ghost Pirates

6th in South (57 Points), Record: 26-29-5-0

At 57 points, Savannah’s playoff hopes are on a knife’s edge. Their recent form has been a rollercoaster: they lost 1–2 to South Carolina on March 9, were defeated 2–4 by Florida on March 12, recorded an upset win (6–? as visitors) over Florida on March 14, and then fell 2–5 at Jacksonville on March 15. Their upcoming home games are critical—a visit from Florida is scheduled on Thursday, March 20 at 7:00 PM EDT and again on Friday, March 21 at 7:30 PM EDT. Savannah must secure wins in these contests to narrow the points gap and boost their playoff odds. A key factor for them is also hoping that Florida drops points in these high-stakes matchups. The Ghost Pirates’ recent results and home game opportunities give them a fighting but challenging route. They might have about a one-in-five chance to secure a playoff spot if they can capitalize on key matchups and benefit from their rivals dropping points.

Greenville Swamp Rabbits

7th in South (54 Points), Record: 23-29-6-2

Greenville is facing an uphill battle from 54 points, with recent results highlighting their struggles. Last week, they lost 2–5 at South Carolina on March 12, followed by an overtime win (4–1) over Kansas City on March 14, then an overtime loss on March 15. This week, Greenville has a challenging schedule: they start with an away game at Florida on Wednesday, March 19 at 7:05 PM EDT and then face a tough road contest at South Carolina on Friday, March 21 at 7:05 PM EDT. For the Swamp Rabbits to mount a late-season charge, they must deliver strong performances—ideally upsetting one or both of these higher-ranked teams—and hope that Florida and South Carolina drop points. Facing an uphill battle from 54 points, Greenville must pull off multiple upsets to mount a late-season charge. Their estimated probability of reaching the playoffs is around 10–15%.

Upcoming South Division Matchups:

• Wednesday, March 19:
  • Orlando at Jacksonville – 7:00 PM EDT
  • Florida at Greenville – 7:05 PM EDT
• Thursday, March 20:
  • Florida at Savannah – 7:00 PM EDT
• Friday, March 21:
  • Greenville at South Carolina – 7:05 PM EDT
  • Florida at Savannah – 7:30 PM EDT
• Saturday, March 22:
  • Additional key games across the division

While South Carolina, Florida, and Jacksonville have solidified their positions at the top of the division. However, the playoff futures of Orlando, Atlanta, Savannah, and Greenville still remain uncertain. Orlando must win its crucial road game against Jacksonville to boost its own momentum. Savannah and Greenville need to convert their upcoming matchups into victories and hope that Florida and South Carolina drop points. Meanwhile, Atlanta—without a game this week—is reliant on these outcomes to help leapfrog into playoff position. Every shift and goal in these contests could redefine the playoff landscape as the season enters its final stretch.