The Orlando Solar Bears lost the battle of ECHL undefeateds, falling to the Adirondack Thunder 4-2 on the road.
The Orlando Solar Bears got their power play going after struggling to get their attack going. But their failure to score with both teams at full strength did them in as the Solar Bears suffered their first loss of the season in a 4-2 loss to the Adirondack Thunder.
Johnny McInnis and Patrick Watling scored power play goals as Orlando took a 2-1 lead in the second period. The Solar Bears went 2 for 4 on the power play after scoring just once on their first eight power plays (including going 0 for 5 against Norfolk on Saturday).
Aidrondack scored the final three goals of the game to cement the lead and the win. Ryan Lomberg scored twice, once late in the second and then again early in the third, to give the Thunder the lead. Rob Bordson added an empty net goal to seal the game with about 10 seconds left.
Rob Madore made 24 saves, but again gave up three goals. Opponents have scored three goals against Madore in both of his previous starts.
Orlando was even with Adirondack in shots with 27 shots to Adirondack’s 28. The starting line of Brett Findlay, Patrick Rodewald and Watling produced just one goal after being the Solar Bears’ strongest line during the season-opening three-game win streak at Amway Center.
No player for Orlando recorded more than three shots. The offensive balance is good, the Solar Bears just could not find the back of the net.
Adirondack pushed through though. Lomberg’s first goal came as he fought off Brenden Miller as he skated toward the net. Lomberg’s second goal, much like Watling’s goal, came off a shot from the point.
From there, the Thunder’s goalie stood tall as the Solar Bears tried to equalize.
Adirondack’s win makes the team the only undefeated team remaining in the ECHL. The Solar Bears continue their northern road trip against Elmira on Friday.
