ECHL South Division Semifinals – Game 5 Recap: Orlando Solar Bears vs South Carolina Stingrays

A tied series is underway in Florida. Game five of the Kelly Cup Playoffs between the South Carolina Stingrays and Orlando Solar Bears. The Solar Bears are looking to continue their win streak on home ice and take the lead. Last night’s game was intense; South Carolina had ten icing calls in the first period, and with their goaltending issues, Seth Eisele was put in the net. Orlando is going with their tried-and-true Jon Gillies.

First Period

Things get underway, and South Carolina takes the faceoff. Jackson Van De Leest receives the first penalty of the game for tripping, sending Orlando on the first power play. Orland sees three shots during that PP but makes nothing of it. Blake Thompson would give South Carolina their second penalty, a delay of game, as the puck was shot out of play.12:17 Aaron Luchuk sinks the puck, five-hole Solar Bears 1-0.13:57 and it’s a free-for-all fight for the puck, and Alexander Suzdalev makes it 1-1. One minute and thirteen seconds later, South Carolina takes the lead with Erik Middendorf finding success, making it 2-1. Twenty-eight seconds later, Aaron Luchuk gets his second goal of the game and ties the game again. Seth Eisele closes out the period with 12 saves, and Jon Gillies nine.

Second Period

The second period gets underway, and the South Carolina Stingrays took control, finding the net 3:47 in with Erik Middendorf making his second goal of the night. Orlando’s Ben Carroll puts special teams back to work with a hooking penalty. South Carolina’s Justin Nachbaur is next to activate the special teams when he gets called for interference. Neither team managed to take advantage of the man-down situation. Orlando is the only team in this series to have a power-play goal. The period ended with the South Carolina Stingrays on top, with three goals and 19 shots on goal.

Third Period

Puck drops, and we are off, South Carolina fighting to keep the lead. This period saw the intense play that South Carolina had brought earlier in this series. Orlando, trying to hold on and take control of the series, finds the net. Alex Frye ties up the game for Orlando. Both teams aggressively controlled their emotions and actions over the next six minutes and 30 seconds, sending the game to overtime. Players showing some of the best hockey this series, holding each other at bay. Only 14 total shots on goal were allowed this period.

Overtime

Puck drops for the final time in Florida for this series. Both teams fiercely attacked the puck, Orlando players asking for a review from coaching in the first 30 seconds and being denied, set the mood. Solar Bear upping their game, putting South Carolina through the wringer with six shots on goal. Massive hits and both goalies defending with their lives. With all the gas in the tank, South Carolina fights back with three allowed shots. Charlie Combs sinks it on the last one, sending the Stingray home leading the series 3-2.

Three Stars of the Game

First Star: Charlie Combs-Stingray
Second Star: Erik Middendorf-Stingray
Third Star: Aaron Luchuk- Orlando Solar Bears

Mentionables and upcoming

South Carolina’s Seth Eisele, making his professional playoff debut, had 41 saves, Jon Gillies 35. Both teams showed great control during the game; there were many intense moments—penalties that went uncalled, and petty microaggressions that surfaced. Orlando dodged a setback, as Jayden Dureau was sidelined for a while during the game due to an uncalled elbow to the head during the first period. The culprit, South Carolina’s Justin Nachbaur, is no stranger to such incidents, having served suspension time this season for a similar offense. Dureau returned to the game halfway through the second period. The teams head back to the Low Country for game six. South Carolina could advance to the South Division Final, or Orlando could take control and tie the series, forcing a game seven. Puck drops Sunday, April 27th, at 6:05 PM EST. The winner will face the Florida Everblades in the South Division Championship.