PREVIEW: 'Blades, Solar Bears renew rivalry on Wednesday

ESTERO, Fla. — The Florida Everblades (30-11-2-2, 64 pts.) open their third four-game week of the season on Wednesday night, as they face off against the Orlando Solar Bears (20-18-5-1, 46 pts.) at Hertz Arena.  

VITALS:Game 46: Everblades vs. Orlando Solar BearsWhen: 7:30 p.m. ETWhere: Hertz ArenaTickets: TicketmasterWatch: ECHL TVListen: WJBX (101.5 FM, 104.3 FM, 770 AM)Social: Twitter | InstagramPromotion: Hump Day Deals

Last time outKen Appleby made 25 saves on 27 shots, and Cam Maclise potted two goals and added an assist to push Florida's winning streak to eight games with a 5-2 win over the South Carolina Stingrays on Saturday night. Although Florida led by two goals after the second period, the Stingrays twice cut the Everblades' lead to just one in the third period. Maclise responded with a goal after each South Carolina strike to ensure the win. RECAP

Series At A GlanceThough Orlando is Florida's most frequent opponent this season, the 'Blades haven't played the Solar Bears since Nov. 14. Wednesday is the halfway marker of the 14-game season series. Florida owns a 5-1-0 overall record and a 4-0-0 home mark against Orlando this season. With regard to the all-time series, Florida has captured wins in 66 of the 98 meetings and holds a 66-25-7 overall mark against the Solar Bears. 

Players to WatchCam Maclise (FLA) - The third-year pro's three-point night on Saturday matched his career-high for points in a game, a single-game career-high that he initially set with his first career hat trick on Feb. 2, 2019. Maclise's two-goal outing against the Stingrays was his first multi-goal game of the season and fourth of his career. The Lacombe, Alberta, native has notched multiple points in seven games this year.  

Taylor Cammarata (ORL) - The Solar Bears picked up Cammarata in a trade with the Idaho Steelheads in mid-January, and the forward has already produced four goals and six points in 10 games with Orlando. Cammarata, who was the USHL Player of the Year in the 2012-13 season, has posted 115 points (46g, 69a) in a three-year ECHL career. He shared last season between the Norfolk Admirals (42 games), Wichita Thunder (10 games) and Maine Mariners (21 games). 

Heating UpFlorida's eight-game winning streak is its longest winning streak this season and tied for its longest winning streak in the last two campaigns. Both of the Everblades' two longest undefeated runs this year have come in the last month. Despite a three-game losing streak in early January, the 'Blades still have wins in 14 of their last 17 games since Dec. 21. Florida had a six-game winning streak from Dec. 21-Jan. 5. Florida's eight-game winning streak last season came from March 2-16, 2019. 

Finishing StrongFlorida used a three-goal third period on Saturday to stave off South Carolina's comeback attempt, though the strong third was nothing new for the 'Blades. Florida has allowed the third-fewest goals in third periods this season (38) and shares third in the ECHL in goal differential in third periods with a +13 mark. 

Decisive DecisionsFlorida has had a large share of its victories come in convincing fashion. The 'Blades rank first in the ECHL with 15 wins by three or more goals. During its current winning streak, Florida has had five of its eight victories come by way of three or more goals. The Everblades have compiled a 15-4-0-0 record in games with a minimum of a three-goal winning margin. 

Next UpFollowing an off day on Thursday, Florida begins a stretch of three games in three days with a Friday night matchup against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. 

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The Florida Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and AHL's Milwaukee Admirals