The Orlando Solar Bears had to win in a number of different ways this weekend in Brampton as they took on the Brampton Beast, a franchise very close geographically to the parent club Toronto Maple Leafs.
The perhaps-future Maple Leafs had to do a lot to impress their bosses, keeping an eye on the game with it so close to home. There was certainly some impetus to play hard in front of the bosses (wearing Toronto Maple Leaf-colored jerseys at that).
Then again, they had a lot of reason to be focused with the Playoffs still well within reach and not many games to make up.
The weekend series against the Brampton Beast was just what Orlando needed.
The first game saw a barrage of goals in the second period with Orlando holding firm and getting ahead. The second game saw the Solar Bears pore it on offensively with a 6-3 win and the third saw them defend well to earn a 3-0 shutout.
Jack Rodewald scored once in Friday’s win and twice in Sunday’s win. Rylan Schwartz had two goals in Friday’s game. Rob Madore recorded the shutout in the win.
This was the first three-game sweep for the Solar Bears since a three-game weekend sweep over the Atlanta Gladiators (twice) and Elmira Jackals in mid-February. This was the first three-game sweep over the same opponent this season.
The six points were absolutely critical for the Solar Bears as they try to end this up-and-down season on a high note. After this weekend’s games, Orlando sits four points out of the final Playoff spot with just one team between them and eighth. It has been a long climb up from the top, but the Solar Bears have now picked up 11 points in their last seven games, including winning their past four.
That has helped Orlando make up some lost ground.
Taking advantage of this soft point in the schedule though was critical. Brampton has one of the worst records in the ECHL and those were points Orlando could not leave on the board as it continues its chase. This weekend’s games against the fifth-place Adirondack Thunder will be a much more challenging affair.
More than any of that though, the Solar Bears are playing their best hockey of the season right now. They are skating much more confidently and moving the puck better.
The frustrations of ending the long home stand without getting all those points has dissipated some with the way the team succeeded at Manchester and at Brampton.
The question for Orlando is bringing it home against Adirondack this weekend. The team has clearly built some momentum now and played some strong hockey — probably its best of the season.
To make the Playoffs, the Solar Bears have to keep winning and keep letting this momentum ride.
