LeBlanc, Bird lift Solar Bears to 4-3 OT win over Swamp Rabbits

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).

VIEW BOX SCORE

First PeriodGreenville 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 PeriodOrlando goal: Aaron Luchuk (15) at 0:40. Assisted by Chris LeBlanc and Kevin LohanGreenville goal: Liam Pecararo (8) at 12:50. Assisted by Matt Bradley and Patrick Bajkov.Shots: ORL 8, GVL 11

Third PeriodGreenville 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

OvertimeOrlando goal: Chris LeBlanc (8) at 2:23. Assisted by Aaron Luchuk.Shots: ORL 2, GVL 3

Goaltending:ORL: Clint Windsor, 35-for-38GVL: John Lethemon, 29-for-33

THREE STARS:1) Chris LeBlanc - ORL2) Tyler Bird - ORL3) 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.