Atlanta Gladiators Even Series with 4-3 Game 2 Win Over South Carolina Stingrays Behind Second-Period Explosion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (April 25, 2026) — The Atlanta Gladiators responded in a big way Saturday night, defeating the South Carolina Stingrays 4-3 in Game 2 of the South Division Semifinals at North Charleston Coliseum.

The win evens the best-of-seven series at 1-1 and marks Atlanta’s first playoff victory since 2013.

Early Goal Sets the Tone for Atlanta

Atlanta struck first just 3:31 into the opening period.

Isak Walther finished a fast-paced transition play with a backhand goal on the power play, assisted by Jack O’Brien and Chad Nychuk.

The Gladiators carried a 1-0 lead into the first intermission, with both teams evenly matched in shots at 6-6.

Explosive Second Period Turns the Game

South Carolina tied the game early in the second period when Charlie Combs scored just 1:32 in.

From there, Atlanta took control.

O’Brien restored the lead at 3:26 after capitalizing on a turnover, firing a shot into the far corner. Minutes later, a penalty kill turned into offense as Ryan Nolan and Nychuk connected on a 2-on-1 rush, with Nychuk finishing the play to make it 3-1.

Adam Eisele extended the lead to 4-1 late in the period, deflecting a shot from Cody Sylvester for his third goal of the postseason.

Stingrays Rally Falls Just Short

South Carolina mounted a push in the third period.

Justin Nachbaur cut the deficit to 4-2 early in the frame, and Zach Funk brought the Stingrays within one goal with less than five minutes remaining.

Despite the pressure, Atlanta held firm defensively to secure the win.

Goaltending and Special Teams Key in Victory

Rookie goaltender T.J. Semptimphelter earned the win in his playoff debut, stopping 22 of 25 shots. The performance made him the first Gladiators netminder to record a postseason win since 2013.

Bjorklund stopped 13 of 17 shots for South Carolina.

Atlanta’s special teams played a crucial role, going 1-for-3 on the power play and killing both penalties faced.

Chad Nychuk led the Gladiators with three points (one goal, two assists), while Jack O’Brien added a goal and an assist.