Orlando, FL – Brodie Dupont scored his 20th goal of the season in the second period, but a third period tally from Hunter Fejes pushed the Solar Bears past the Admirals 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Norfolk (21-29-5-1) falls eight points back from the Solar Bears for the final playoff spot in the South Division.
Orlando took a 1-0 lead early in the second period. J.J. Piccinich entered the offensive zone on the right wing and centered the puck for Tayler Thompson who slipped through the Norfolk defense. Thompson quickly tapped the puck past Jamie Murray, giving Orlando the first lead of the game. Brodie Dupont evened the game back up for the Admirals just over midway through the period. TJ Melancon took a shot from the right point that was tipped in front by Dupont, tying the game at 1-1.
Orlando would retake the lead in the third period. Hunter Fejes tipped a Norfolk pass and took it into the offensive zone. Fejes beat Murray to the loose puck and deked around the Norfolk netminder, giving the Solar Bears the 2-1 lead. The Admirals pulled the goalie late in the period but were unable to beat Heeter again as the Solar Bears topped the Admirals 2-1.
Heeter finished the night making 38 saves on 39 shots, while Jamie Murray finished the night with 28 saves on 30 shots.
The Admirals and Solar Bears face off once more on Monday evening at 7:00pm, concluding the season series.
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