Playoff chances take hit

The Orlando Solar Bears ran into the ECHL’s hottest team Friday night.

Orlando played the South Carolina Stingrays tight, but the Solar Bears (31-27-4-5, 71 points) allowed a goal to Patrick Gaul 11 minutes, 42 seconds into the final period and lost 2-1 before an announced crowd of 4,233 at North Charleston Coliseum. The Stingrays (41-18-6-3, 91 points) lead the South Division.

The Solar Bears lost their fourth consecutive game and remained five points out of a playoff berth from the Eastern Conference. Orlando is tied with the Atlanta Gladiators for 10th place. The top eight teams will go to the postseason.

Rylan Schwartz accounted for Orlando’s only goal, finding the net for the 21st time this season 6:44 into the third period. Schwartz’s goal was assisted by Denver Manderson and Rory Rawlyk.

Solar Bears goalie Rob Madore stopped 23 shots. Orlando finished with a 31-25 advantage in shots.

The Solar Bears failed to convert on any of their five power plays. The Stingrays were 1-for-2 with a man advantage, with Derek DeBlois opening the scoring with 9:39 remaining in the first period.

The division rivals met for the first time since Dec. 29. The Solar Bears slipped to 1-5-0-1 against the Stingrays this season.

After the teams meet again at 7:05 tonight, the Solar Bears will conclude the regular season next week with four. games against the Florida Everblades. Two will be at Amway Center, including at 7 Tuesday night.