The Philadelphia Rebels couldn’t solve Maryland’s defensive structure on Tuesday afternoon, dropping a 3–0 decision to the East Division–leading Black Bears in Odenton.
Maryland struck twice in the opening period and never relinquished control, adding one more in the third to seal the win. Despite the result, Ilja Nikitins turned in another solid performance between the pipes, stopping 19 of 22 shots. Philadelphia’s penalty kill held strong at 4-for-4, but the offense was unable to break through Maryland goaltender Ryan Denes, who posted a 15-save shutout.
The Rebels generated chances early—outshooting Maryland 8–6 in the first half of the opening frame—but couldn’t capitalize. Maryland converted on their best looks late in the period to take a 2–0 lead into the break. A scoreless second period followed, with both teams trading power plays but unable to convert. Maryland’s insurance marker midway through the third put the game out of reach.
Philadelphia will look to rebound as it returns home for a divisional matchup against the Northeast Generals