Orlando, FL – The Atlanta Gladiators defeated the Orlando Solar Bears 2-1 on Monday night at Kia Center to improve to 2-0-1 on their road trip and 3-0 against Orlando on the season.
After winning 4-1 over the Solar Bears on Sunday, the Gladiators aimed to take the second game of the back-to-back on Monday night at Kia Center. T.J. Semptimphelter started in net for the Gladiators, while Harrison Meneghin got the nod between the pipes for the Solar Bears.
The game quickly became a special teams battle, as the Gladiators penalty kill was put to the test with an early 5 on 3 power play for the Solar Bears. Ultimately, Orlando scored on the two man advantage, as Jack Adams smacked in a backdoor pass to make it 1-0 Orlando 9:57 into the first period. Assists went to Aaron Luchuk and Reece Newkirk on the only goal of the opening period. The Solar Bears had three power plays in the first period while the Gladiators had one, with Orlando outshooting Atlanta 9-6 after one period.
Atlanta responded to tie the game with a power play goal from its own, as Jack Matier uncorked a shot from the right point 10:23 into the second period to tie the game at 1-1. Matier’s second goal of the season was assisted by Mike McNamee and Ryan Francis. The game featured more chances on the power play for both sides, with both penalty kills keeping the game tied. When at even strength, the game featured up and down action that saw both goaltenders, Semptimphelter and Meneghin, make saves at either end. After two periods of play, the game was tied 1-1, with Orlando outshooting Atlanta 25-11.
While much of the game featured a duel on special teams, it was the Gladiators work at even strength that won them the game. Alex Young scored the game winning goal 5:42 into the third period with a short side snipe past Meneghin on a feed from Isak Walther to give Atlanta a 2-1 lead. That’s all the Gladiators needed as Semptimphelter kept the door shut ant Atlanta outlasted an Orlando comeback attempt. The Gladiators went 1/4 on the power play and 5/6 on the penalty kill in the win, as Semptimphelter stopped 31/32 for his 12th win of the year.
With the win, the Gladiators improved to 25-9-1 on the season and have points in their last five games. Their longest road trip of the season continues, as the team heads further South for heavyweight battles with the Everblades in Estero on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Puck drop for Wednesday’s game is set for 7:30 PM EST, with coverage on the Gladiators Broadcast Network on FloHockey and YouTube beginning at 7:10 PM EST.
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