
Bird, LeBlanc lift Solar Bears to 4-3 OT win over Swamp Rabbits
Published on April 8, 2021 under ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. - Tyler Bird's goal with less than four minutes to play in regulation tied the score to force overtime and Chris LeBlanc potted the game-winner to cap a three-point night to lift the Orlando Solar Bears (23-17-3-1) to a 4-3 overtime victory over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (20-13-9-3) on Thursday night at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center.
LeBlanc and Aaron Luchuk each recorded 1g-2a in the victory for the Solar Bears, who won their third consecutive game.
LeBlanc's three-point effort moved him past Denver Manderson (113 points) for second place on the team's all-time scoring list with 116 career points for Orlando (42g-74a).
First Period
Greenville goal: Nick Poehling (6) at 3:00. Assisted by Max Zimmer and Joey Haddad.
Orlando goal: Kyle Topping (6) [PP] at 14:59. Assisted by Aaron Luchuk and Nolan Valleau.
Shots: ORL 15, GVL 13
Second Period
Orlando goal: Aaron Luchuk (15) at 0:40. Assisted by Chris LeBlanc and Kevin Lohan
Greenville goal: Liam Pecararo (8) at 12:50. Assisted by Matt Bradley and Patrick Bajkov.
Shots: ORL 8, GVL 11
Third Period
Greenville goal: Eric Williams (1) at 2:11. Assisted by Patrick Bajkov.
Orlando goal: Tyler Bird (10) at 16:02. Assisted by Chris LeBlanc.
Shots: ORL 8, GVL 11
Overtime
Orlando goal: Chris LeBlanc (8) at 2:23. Assisted by Aaron Luchuk.
Shots: ORL 2, GVL 3
Goaltending:
ORL: Clint Windsor, 35-for-38
GVL: John Lethemon, 29-for-33
THREE STARS:
1) Chris LeBlanc - ORL
2) Tyler Bird - ORL
3) Aaron Luchuk - ORL
NOTABLES:
Orlando is 5-1-0-0 against Greenville this season
The Solar Bears improved to 5-3 this season in the overtime period; Orlando has played 12 total games that have been extended to either overtime or the shootout
The Solar Bears improved to 8-5-1-0 at home when surrendering the first goal
Luchuk's goal gives him sole possession of the team's goal-scoring lead this season, and he now has a four-game point streak (3g-3a)
NEXT GAME: The Solar Bears hit the road for a season-high nine-game road trip, starting with the first of two games against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Saturday, April 10 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena at 7:05 p.m. The Solar Bears return home to host Orlando Magic Night, presented by Amway, against the South Carolina Stingrays at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center on Friday, April 30 at 7 p.m.
ECHL Stories from April 8, 2021
- Bird, LeBlanc lift Solar Bears to 4-3 OT win over Swamp Rabbits - Orlando Solar Bears
- Bears Outlast Rabbits in Overtime, 4-3 - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Tonight's Start Time for Game against Greenville Delayed Until 7:30 p.m. ET - Orlando Solar Bears
- ECHL Transactions - April 8 - ECHL
- Game Preview: Swamp Rabbits at Solar Bears, 7 PM - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Nailers Hire John Davis as Chief Operating Officer - Wheeling Nailers
- Everblades Strike It Big in Third Period - Florida Everblades
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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