Gladiators Shut Out by Stingrays 4-0 in Game 3

The Atlanta Gladiators returned home looking to build momentum, but Game 3 told a different story.

Atlanta fell 4-0 to the South Carolina Stingrays on Monday night at Gas South Arena, as the Stingrays controlled the pace and capitalized on key opportunities to take a 2-1 series lead in the South Division Semifinals.

After splitting the first two games on the road, the Gladiators came into Duluth with energy—but couldn’t find the finish.

South Carolina opened the scoring in the first period, with Austin Magera finding the back of the net to give the Stingrays a 1-0 lead. The Gladiators had a few early looks, including chances from Joey Cipollone and Cody Sylvester, but couldn’t solve Stingrays goaltender Mitchell Gibson.

The Stingrays pulled away in the second period. Kyler Kupka extended the lead midway through the frame, finishing a play set up by Alexander Suzdalev. Not long after, Romain Rodzinski added another, capitalizing on a rebound opportunity in front to push the lead to 3-0. Atlanta generated chances from Carson Denomie and Eric Neiley, but Gibson continued to turn everything aside.

In the third period, the Gladiators tried to generate a spark, with Ryan Conroy and Isak Walther each putting shots on net, but the breakthrough never came. South Carolina sealed the game late as Micah Miller added the final goal, securing the 4-0 shutout.

Goaltender Ethan Haider made several key stops to keep Atlanta within reach early, but the offensive support never followed. The Gladiators were unable to convert on their opportunities and struggled to establish sustained pressure against a disciplined Stingrays defense.

The loss puts Atlanta behind in the series for the first time after earning a split on the road to open the playoffs. Now facing a pivotal Game 4, the Gladiators will need a response on home ice to even the series.

Game 4 is set for Tuesday night at Gas South Arena, where Atlanta will look to bounce back in front of its home crowd.