SEWELL, NJ – The Philadelphia Rebels (23-28-2-1,49 pts) opened up a two-game weekend series on Friday night at home against the Maryland Black Bears (38-15-4-0, 80 pts) with a 5-2 loss to the Maryland Black Bears.
For 40 minutes on Friday, the Rebels answered each punch from the Black Bears. However, in the third, the Black Bears pulled away.
Jakub Krbecek started in net for Philadelphia, recording 27 saves on 32 shots. Maryland went with William Hakansson, who stopped 23 Rebel shots, allowing 2 goals.
The scoring opened early in the first period when an awkward bounce off the end boards squeaked past Krbecek. The goal was credited to Dimitry Kebreau, his 24th of the season. A deflection from a Sonny DiNubile shot tied the game at one with eight minutes left in the first. Another Maryland goal late in the period would send the Rebels to the room down 2-1 after the first period.
David Deputy scored on a breakaway late in the second period, tying the game at 2-2. Shortly after, Maryland retook the lead on a backdoor tap-in from Kebreau.
In the third, Hunter Ramos scored for Maryland 4:29 in, making it 4-2. The Black Bears then added another one on the power play halfway through the third period, extending their lead to 5-2.
With the loss, the Rebels have been eliminated from playoff contention.
Saturday night’s game will begin at 7 p.m. The Rebels will look to earn a split with the Black Bears. The game is available to stream on HockeyTV and admission is free for all fans at Hollydell Ice Arena.
