The Orlando Solar Bears season ended with a pair of losses to the Florida Everblades, ensuring what already seemed inevitable that the Solar Bears would miss the Playoffs for the first time in three years.
Kevin Lynch scored a hat trick in Florida’s 5-3 win over Orlando at Germain Arena on Friday and the bad luck this year against Florida continued into Saturday.
Patrick Watling had a chance at the game-tying goal in the third period but his stick broke as he received the pass and started a shorthanded rush for Brant Harris and the Everblades.
Harris scored to push the lead to 3-1 and the rout was on as Florida added two more goals from Ralph Cuddemi, his first two of the season, to end the season for Orlando 5-1 in Estero.
Friday, the Solar Bears fell behind 3-0 midway through the second period as Lynch scored two goals. The Solar Bears never were able to climb out and challenge the Everblades, succumbing to their physical play.
Eric Faille did record a goal and an assist, getting him to 60 points on the year (24 goals, 36 assists). He became the first Solar Bears player since the team came out of hibernation to reach that mark.
Saturday’s game saw the Everblades pour in an avalanche of goals after that missed opportunity from Rodewald. It was a frustrating way to end a somewhat frustrating season.
The Solar Bears came into the year with Playoff aspirations, but the team’s youth and its new relationship with the Toronto Marlies disrupted some of the rhythm of the season. Orlando was spending a good chunk of the season trying to get its rhythm down and play consistently.
Those are issues expected with such a young team. It just never came together until the very end of the season. The Solar Bears were playing some inspired hockey later in the year and gave the Amway Center some memorable performances — none moreso than the home finale.
Orlando will regroup in the offseason with another year under its belt for its coaching staff and its returning player. The Marlies will undoubtedly supply the Solar Bears with some re-enforcements too.
These two games proved to be a disappointing way to end the year. Like much with Orlando this year, it is all something to stew on and improve upon for next time.
