The Icemen skate out of Orlando with one point as the Solar Bears get the win in overtime, 4-3, on Wednesday night.
Early on, the Icemen set the tempo as they got two power plays in the first seven minutes. Despite not scoring on either man advantage, Jacksonville would score when Jimmy Lodge found Cameron Critchlow for his fifth goal of the season. Goalie Austin Lotz would stop all 10 Solar Bears shots and the Icemen ended the first period ahead.
Both offenses were unleashed in the second period as the teams combined for four goals in the frame. It started when Joshua Winquist stole the puck in the crease and beat Lotz with a backhand goal on the power play. The Icemen would be quick to respond as Scott Savage registered his third goal against the Solar Bears this season to give the Icemen the 2-1 lead. Only 73 seconds later, Todd Skirving scored off a rebound to tie the game again. Just after the halfway point in the period, Cameron Critchlow deflected Chris Joseph's shot from the point to give the Icemen a 3-2 lead heading into the third period. Critchlow's goal makes tonight's game the first multi-goal game in his professional career.
Shortly after the conclusion of a four-minute power play for the Solar Bears, forward Joe Perry tapped the puck in after it hit the post. Both teams would battle for the remaining 18:22, but overtime would be needed for the third time this season between the two rivals.
At 2:01 into overtime, Kristian Popisil found Alex Gudbranson open in front of the net and he beat Lotz glove side for the win.
The Icemen continue the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union, as they travel to Norfolk for the first game of a back-to-back on Friday, Dec. 29 at 7:00 p.m.
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