Admirals Weekend Road Trip Round Up

This week was an Admiral-less week in the Norfolk area. With the Admirals on the road there were only a few ways for us to get our fix. For the die hard fans there was a nice road trip up to the snowy north. For most of us there was either AHL live or listening to Pete on the radio or internet stream. No matter how you may have got your fix you were able to keep up with the team and their successful road trip that saw them collect 5 of 6 possible points this weekend. The Admirals will return to Scope for a weekend series against the Providence Bruins. At Saturday’s game the Admirals will also the latest inductees to the Admirals Hall of Fame. Brian Martin and Marty Wilford will be honored in a pre-game ceremony.

Game Reports from the Norfolk Admirals:

 

Friday, Feb 15, 2013

Bobkov, Penalty Kill Lead Admirals to Victory

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, Penn. – Igor Bobkov made 32 saves, the penalty kill was perfect on eight chances and Brayden Irwin’s first goal of the season broke a scoreless tie in the third period as the Norfolk Admirals (21-24-2-1) topped the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (25-21-2-1), 1-0, on Friday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

The Admirals registered a franchise-low 12 shots on goal in the contest, but Bobkov (10-13-0) turned aside all 32 shots he faced for his second shutout of the season.

The Admirals continue a four-game road trip tomorrow against the Connecticut Whale. They return to Norfolk Scope Arena on Feb. 22nd and 23rd against the Providence Bruins.

After both teams registered five shots in a scoreless first period, the Penguins out-shot the Admirals, 13-4, in the second period with help from five power play opportunities in the stanza. However, the game entered the third period with no score.

Irwin, who had been signed to his second Professional Tryout Contract of the season with Norfolk just yesterday, broke the scoreless stalemate 3:17 into the final frame. Sami Vatanen sent a shot from the right point that Penguins goaltender Jeff Zatkoff blocked. However, Irwin found the rebound in traffic in the low slot and slipped a shot under Zatkoff.

That was one of only three third-period shots for Norfolk, while Wilkes-Barre/Scranton sent 14 shots towards Bobkov. However, Bobkov came up with several huge saves to stifle the Penguins’ offense and earn the shutout.

Jeff Zatkoff (16-14-0) stopped 11 of 12 shots for the loss.

Norfolk was 0-for-3 on the power play. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton was 0-for-8.

Three Stars: 
1. Igor Bobkov – NOR
2. Brayden Irwin – NOR
3. Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond – NOR

Norfolk Admirals 1 at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 0 – Status: Final
Friday, February 15, 2013 – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

Norfolk             0 0 1 – 1
W-B/Scranton 0 0 0 – 0

1st Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Smith Wbs (interference), 1:20; Sill Wbs (slashing), 6:08; Hendry Nor (holding), 15:14; Caputi Nor (tripping), 20:00.

2nd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Wagner Nor (tripping), 4:06; Letourneau-Leblond Nor (hooking), 8:03; Clark Nor (boarding), 12:38; served by Caputi Nor (bench minor – too many men), 14:50.

3rd Period-1, Norfolk, Irwin 1 (Letourneau-Leblond, Vatanen), 3:17. Penalties-Letourneau-Leblond Nor (holding), 6:21; Smith-Pelly Nor (roughing), 8:43; Smith Wbs (roughing, interference), 8:43; Clark Nor (fighting), 11:12; Payerl Wbs (fighting), 11:12; Pelley Nor (slashing), 19:58.

Shots on Goal-Norfolk 5-4-3-12. W-B/Scranton 5-13-14-32.
Power Play Opportunities-Norfolk 0 / 3; W-B/Scranton 0 / 8.
Goalies-Norfolk, Bobkov 10-14-0 (32 shots-32 saves). W-B/Scranton, Zatkoff 16-15-0 (12 shots-11 saves).

A-5,296
Referees-David Banfield (77), Ryan Murphy (5).
Linesmen-Scott Adams (20), Ryan Daisy (90).

 

Saturday, Feb 16, 2013

Admirals Fall in Overtime to Whale

HARTFORD, Conn. Igor Bobkov made 33 saves and Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond scored his second goal of the season, but the Norfolk Admirals (21-24-3-1) saw former Admiral Brandon Segal score 2:08 into overtime as the Connecticut Whale (24-21-4-2) claimed a 2-1 decision on Saturday night at the XL Center Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The Admirals have picked up standings points in all three games of their four-game road trip so far (2-0-1-0). Bobkov (10-14-0) has stopped 65 of 67 shots over his last two games.

The Admirals conclude their four-game road trip tomorrow afternoon against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. They return to Norfolk Scope Arena on Friday and Saturday against the Providence Bruins.

Norfolk took a 1-0 lead 15:42 into the first period. Sami Vatanen dumped the puck into the attacking zone along the right wing. Mat Clark passed it to Letourneau-Leblond in the right corner, and Letourneau-Leblond spun around from the bottom of the right circle while shooting the puck past Whale goaltender Cameron Talbot for his second goal of the season.

Connecticut tied the game at 1-1 late in the first period with a power play goal. Former Admirals defenseman Mike Vernace sent a centering feed to Logan Pyett in the high slot. Pyett sent a slap shot past Bobkov at 18:45.

Neither team scored for the remainder of regulation. In overtime, Norfolk’s Rod Pelley and Connecticut’s Kris Newbury were assessed coincidental roughing penalties, leading to three-on-three hockey. Nineteen seconds later, Segal took a pass from Sean Collins and scored 2:08 into overtime to give the Whale the 2-1 verdict.

Cameron Talbot (19-19-1) stopped 26 of 27 shots for the win.

Norfolk was 0-for-7 on the power play. Connecticut was 1-for-5.

Three Stars: 
1. Brandon Segal – CT
2. Cameron Talbot – CT
3. Igor Bobkov – NOR

Norfolk Admirals 1 at Connecticut Whale 2 (OT) – Status: Final OT
Saturday, February 16, 2013 – XL Center Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Norfolk         1 0 0 0 – 1
Connecticut 1 0 0 1 – 2

1st Period-1, Norfolk, Letourneau-Leblond 2 (Clark, Vatanen), 15:42. 2, Connecticut, Pyett 5 (Vernace, Mashinter), 18:45 (PP). Penalties-Collins Ct (boarding), 1:02; Brittain Nor (roughing), 9:25; Smith-Pelly Nor (hooking), 17:35.

2nd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Yogan Ct (high-sticking), 2:46; Mitchell Nor (fighting), 6:26; Haley Ct (instigating, fighting, misconduct – instigating), 6:26; Kurtz Nor (fighting), 9:09; McIlrath Ct (fighting), 9:09; McMillan Nor (tripping), 12:58; Pelley Nor (hooking), 16:24; Yogan Ct (hooking), 17:52.

3rd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Yogan Ct (interference), 2:53; Parent Nor (holding), 9:29; Pyett Ct (goaltender interference), 9:29; Collins Ct (hooking), 12:26.

OT Period-3, Connecticut, Segal 14 (Collins, Pyett), 2:08. Penalties-Pelley Nor (roughing), 1:49; Newbury Ct (roughing), 1:49.

Shots on Goal-Norfolk 11-7-9-0-27. Connecticut 14-6-11-4-35.
Power Play Opportunities-Norfolk 0 / 7; Connecticut 1 / 5.
Goalies-Norfolk, Bobkov 10-14-0 (35 shots-33 saves). Connecticut, Talbot 19-19-1 (27 shots-26 saves).

A-5,825
Referees-Trent Knorr (44), Chris Brown (86).
Linesmen-Luke Galvin (2), Derek Wahl (46).

Sunday, Feb 17, 2013

Admirals Close Road Trip with Comeback Victory

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Emerson Etem’s power play goal with 3:58 left in regulation tied the game and Mat Clark’s first goal of the season won it 1:57 into overtime as the Norfolk Admirals (22-24-3-1) closed out their four-game road trip with a 3-2 victory over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (22-21-3-3) on Sunday night at Webster Bank Arena. Norfolk picked up standings points in all four games of the trip (3-0-1-0).

Devante Smith-Pelly also scored for the Admirals, while Jordan Hendry assisted on both the game-tying and game-winning goals. Goaltender Frederik Andersen (10-10-1) stopped 21 shots in his first game back since playing for Denmark during the Olympic Qualification Tournament. Norfolk peppered Bridgeport netminder Kevin Poulin (15-13-3) with 42 shots, as the Admirals out-shot the Sound Tigers, 42-23.

The Admirals return to Norfolk Scope Arena on Friday and Saturday nights against the Providence Bruins with the Admirals Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony taking place on Friday.

Norfolk took a 1-0 deficit into the first intermission after a Mike Halmo goal 8:03 into the first period. While on the power play, Smith-Pelly tied the game at 1-1 with his sixth goal of the season at 3:42 of the second period. However, Chad Costello gave the home team a 2-1 lead heading into the third period with an even-strength goal at 11:44 of the second stanza.

The Admirals used their eighth power play of the game to tie the game at 2-2, as Etem netted his 13th goal of the 2012-13 season at 16:02 of the third period.

Just under two minutes into overtime, a Clark found a Josh Brittain shot attempt and scored his first goal as an Admiral, as the visitors claimed the 3-2 win 1:57 into overtime.

Norfolk was 2-for-8 on the power play. Bridgeport was 0-for-2.

Three Stars: 
1. Kevin Poulin – BRI
2. Mat Clark – NOR
3. Chris Wagner – NOR

Norfolk Admirals 3 (OT) at Bridgeport Sound Tigers 2 – Status: Final OT
Sunday, February 17, 2013 – Webster Bank Arena

Norfolk       0 1 1 1 – 3
Bridgeport 1 1 0 0 – 2

1st Period-1, Bridgeport, Halmo 2   8:03. Penalties-Niederreiter Bri (hooking), 5:03; Smaby Nor (interference), 9:01; Pelley Nor (cross-checking), 12:01; DeFazio Bri (tripping), 15:45.

2nd Period-2, Norfolk, Smith-Pelly 6 (Sexton), 3:42 (PP). 3, Bridgeport, Costello 2 (Watkins, Donovan), 11:44. Penalties-Halmo Bri (roughing), 1:46; Donovan Bri (boarding), 7:34; Watkins Bri (high-sticking), 7:57; Cantin Bri (tripping), 17:00.

3rd Period-4, Norfolk, Etem 13 (Vatanen, Hendry), 16:02 (PP). Penalties-Cantin Bri (boarding), 1:04; Irwin Nor (slashing), 11:44; Cantin Bri (high-sticking), 11:44; Donovan Bri (cross-checking), 14:56.

OT Period-5, Norfolk, Clark 1 (Brittain, Hendry), 1:57. Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Norfolk 13-15-13-1-42. Bridgeport 10-7-4-2-23.
Power Play Opportunities-Norfolk 2 / 8; Bridgeport 0 / 2.
Goalies-Norfolk, Andersen 10-10-1 (23 shots-21 saves). Bridgeport, Poulin 15-13-3 (42 shots-39 saves).

A-3,852
Referees-Ryan Fraser (14).
Linesmen-Mike Baker (11), Paul Simeon (66).

Admirals FAIL – Lose To Baby Pens 4-1

After putting together a nice win last night, the Admirals returned to their old ways and drop a game to the WB/S Pens.Whatever fire they had last night fizzled overnight and into this game. Stupid penalties and the lack of heart killed them. Next up for the Admirals are the Hershey Bears up in Hershey for a 5pm start.

From The Norfolk Admirals:

NORFOLK – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (25-19-2-1) turned the tables on the Norfolk Admirals (19-24-2-1) on Saturday night at Norfolk Scope Arena, earning a 4-1 victory one day after falling by the same score to the Admirals.

A crowd of 7,094 fans saw Peter Holland score his team-leading 15th goal of the season in the setback. Norfolk netminder Igor Bobkov (8-13-0) stopped 29 of 32 shots in the setback.

The Admirals now embark on a four-game road trip commencing tomorrow in Hershey against the Bears. They return to Norfolk Scope Arena on Feb. 22nd and 23rd against the Providence Bruins.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton took a 1-0 lead 13:21 into the first period. Penguins goaltender Jeff Zatkoff started the play with a long outlet pass from his crease as the Admirals were in the process of a line change. Former Admirals forward Trevor Smith accepted the pass near the left point of the blueline and sent a wrist shot that deflected off an Admirals defender and past Bobkov.

The visitors’ lead doubled to 2-0 with a power play goal only 47 seconds into the second stanza. Chad Kolarik spotted Beau Bennett with a pass in the slot. Bennett initially sent a backhand shot that was blocked. However, the puck caromed back to Bennett, who sent a shot past Bobkov’s glove and into the net.

Norfolk countered with a shorthanded goal just under 11 minutes later. Patrick Maroon blocked a shot at the left point of the Norfolk zone and carried the puck up the ice on a two-on-one with Holland. Maroon sent a pass from the right circle to Holland, who sent a shot past the blocker of Zatkoff at 11:38 to cut the home team’s deficit to 2-1.

However, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton sealed the victory midway through the third period. Kolarik sent the puck from behind the net to Riley Holzapfel in the slot, and Holzapfel scored off a quick shot at 10:23.

Warren Peters added an empty-net goal at 18:58 for the 4-1 final score.

Jeff Zatkoff (16-12-0) stopped 25 of 26 shots for the win.

Norfolk was 0-for-5 on the power play. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton was 1-for-5.

The Admirals now embark on a four-game road trip commencing tomorrow in Hershey against the Bears. The puck drops from Giant Center at 5:00 p.m. All games can be heard on 102.1-FM, 1490-AM or 1021TheGame.com. You may also watch at AHLLive.com.

The Admirals return to Norfolk Scope Arena on Feb. 22nd and 23rd against the Providence Bruins. Friday, Feb. 22nd is Hall of Fame Night as Brian Martin and Marty Wilford will be inducted into the Admirals Hall of Fame in a pre-game ceremony. Please check norfolkadmirals.com for details.

Three Stars:
1. Chad Kolarik – WBS
2. Trevor Smith – WBS
3. Beau Bennett – WBS

NOTES … Norfolk’s home winning streak ended at four games, tying a season high … The Admirals (2-2-0-0, 4 points) now trail the season series with the Penguins (2-1-1-0, 5 points) by one point … Norfolk’s last home game against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton comes on Apr. 2nd, while they play in Pennsylvania next Friday and on Mar. 23rd … Earlier today, the Anaheim Ducks reassigned defensemen Jordan Hendry and Sami Vatanen to the Admirals, recalled goaltender Jeff Deslauriers from the Admirals and reassigned goaltender Marco Cousineau to the Admirals from the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets … Did not play: Gabe Guentzel, John Kurtz, Brandon McMillan, Troy Bodie, Matt Smaby, Matt Kennedy, Kyle Bushee, Sacha Guimond.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 4 at Norfolk Admirals 1 – Status: Final
Saturday, February 9, 2013 – Norfolk Scope

W-B/Scranton 1 1 2 – 4
Norfolk             0 1 0 – 1

1st Period-1, W-B/Scranton, Smith 14 (Zatkoff), 13:21. Penalties-Grant Wbs (fighting), 0:03; Brittain Nor (fighting), 0:03; Kostopoulos Wbs (hooking), 2:51; served by Caputi Nor (bench minor – too many men), 5:50; Clark Nor (high-sticking), 19:37.

2nd Period-2, W-B/Scranton, Bennett 7 (Kolarik, Holzapfel), 0:47 (PP). 3, Norfolk, Holland 15 (Maroon), 11:38 (SH). Penalties-Samuelsson Wbs (fighting), 9:38; Caputi Nor (fighting), 9:38; Bobkov Nor (tripping), 9:54; Megna Wbs (hooking), 12:04; Brittain Nor (roughing), 13:56; Holzapfel Wbs (holding the stick), 14:28.

3rd Period-4, W-B/Scranton, Holzapfel 16 (Kolarik, Smith), 10:23. 5, W-B/Scranton, Peters 9   18:58 (EN). Penalties-Payerl Wbs (interference), 2:39; Peters Wbs (delay of game – faceoff violation), 11:34; served by Wagner Nor (bench minor – too many men), 16:06.

Shots on Goal-W-B/Scranton 16-10-7-33. Norfolk 8-10-8-26.
Power Play Opportunities-W-B/Scranton 1 / 5; Norfolk 0 / 5.
Goalies-W-B/Scranton, Zatkoff 16-12-0 (26 shots-25 saves). Norfolk, Bobkov 8-13-0 (32 shots-29 saves).
A-7,094
Referees-Terry Koharski (10).
Linesmen-Tom George (61), Mark Hamlett (81).

Norfolk Drops The Penguins 4-1

From The Norfolk Admirals:

NORFOLK – Jay Rosehill and Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond each had three-point nights, Jeff Deslauriers made 31 saves and Josh Brittain broke a 1-1 tie early in the third period as the Norfolk Admirals (19-23-2-1) defeated the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (24-19-2-1), 4-1, on Friday night at Norfolk Scope Arena. The same teams play at Scope again tomorrow night.

Rosehill netted two goals, an assist and had a fight for the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick.” Letourneau-Leblond rung up a goal and two assists. Deslauriers (1-1-0) stopped 31of 32 shots for his first win as an Admiral, as Norfolk scored three unanswered goals in the third period.

Norfolk took a 1-0 lead 7:46 into the first period on Rosehill’s third goal of the season. After a strong forecheck behind the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton net, Letourneau-Leblond intercepted the puck along the right half wall. Letourneau-Leblond then sent the puck towards the net. Rosehill, who was stationed on top of the crease with his back to the goaltender, deflected the puck on his backhand between his legs and past Wilkes-Barre/Scranton goaltender Brad Thiessen.

The Penguins tied the game late in the second period. From the right half wall in the Norfolk zone, an Admirals forward attempted to wrap the puck around the end boards to a teammate on the opposite side. However, the puck caromed off a stanchion back towards the slot. Warren Peters found the carom and sent a shot over Deslauriers’ left leg at 17:42 to tie the game at 1-1.

Norfolk entered the third period with a tied score for the third straight game. This time, they exited the period with the win. Just over three minutes into the final frame, Devante Smith-Pelly entered the attacking zone along the left wing. He sent a pass to Brittain, who was trailing the play in the high slot. Brittain sent a wrist shot past Thiessen at 3:02 for his sixth goal of the season and a 2-1 lead.

Norfolk’s lead doubled just over three minutes later. Rosehill forced a turnover along the right wing and spotted Letourneau-Leblond in the right circle. As he saw the puck coming towards him, Letourneau-Leblond spun around and one-timed the puck between the right arm and leg of Thiessen for his first goal as an Admiral at 6:07.

Less than three minutes later, Letourneau-Leblond started the scoring on Rosehill’s second goal by forcing a turnover in the right corner. Chris Wagner then spotted Rosehill all alone on top of the crease, and Rosehill sent a quick one-timer past Thiessen at 8:59 for his fourth goal of the season.

Rosehill finished the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” when he dropped the gloves with Bobby Farnham just 26 seconds later.

Deslauriers made the lead stand with 12 saves in the third period alone, as he earned his first Norfolk win.

Thiessen (9-9-1) stopped 23 of 27 shots in defeat.

Both teams were 0-for-5 on the power play.

The same teams will face off tomorrow night at Scope at 7:15 p.m. before the Admirals embark on a four-game road trip.

Three Stars:
1. Jay Rosehill – NOR
2. Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond – NOR
3. Jeff Deslauriers – NOR

NOTES … The Admirals (2-1-0-0, 4 points) now lead the season series with the Penguins (1-1-1-0, 3 points) by one point … Rosehill’s last Gordie Howe Hat Trick and multiple-point game in the AHL came on November 7, 2010, as he posted a goal, an assist and two fights for the Toronto Marlies at Oklahoma City … No player has more goals or points for Norfolk since January than Josh Brittain, who has six goals and eight points in 15 games since joining the Admirals from the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets. Two of Brittain’s goals – including tonight’s – were game-winning tallies … Earlier today, the Danish National Team fell to Slovenia, 2-1, in the second game of their Final Olympic Qualification Tournament. With the win, Slovenia will claim Group F’s spot in the 2014 Sochi Olympics … Frederik Andersen, who is 9-10-1 in 23 games for the Admirals this season, posted a 1-1-0 record with one shutout, a 1.01 goals-against average and .960 save percentage in two games for Denmark during the final Olympic Qualification Tournament. Andersen leads all Group F goaltenders in GAA and SV% … Did not play: Gabe Guentzel, John Kurtz, Brandon McMillan, Troy Bodie, Matt Kennedy, Kyle Bushee.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 1 at Norfolk Admirals 4 – Status: Final
Friday, February 8, 2013 – Norfolk Scope

W-B/Scranton 0 1 0 – 1
Norfolk             1 0 3 – 4

1st Period-1, Norfolk, Rosehill 3 (Letourneau-Leblond), 7:46. Penalties-Samuelsson Wbs (slashing), 2:05; Letourneau-Leblond Nor (delay of game), 11:27; Parent Nor (boarding), 18:36.

2nd Period-2, W-B/Scranton, Peters 8   17:42. Penalties-Grant Wbs (interference), 2:47; served by Rosehill Nor (bench minor – too many men), 5:16; Guenin Nor (slashing), 10:05; Megna Wbs (hooking), 11:35; Wagner Nor (slashing), 15:18; Megna Wbs (charging), 18:42.

3rd Period-3, Norfolk, Brittain 6 (Smith-Pelly, Clark), 3:02. 4, Norfolk, Letourneau-Leblond 1 (Rosehill), 6:07. 5, Norfolk, Rosehill 4 (Wagner, Letourneau-Leblond), 8:59. Penalties-Farnham Wbs (fighting), 9:25; Rosehill Nor (fighting), 9:25; Kostopoulos Wbs (interference), 16:22.

Shots on Goal-W-B/Scranton 7-13-12-32. Norfolk 10-7-10-27.
Power Play Opportunities-W-B/Scranton 0 / 5; Norfolk 0 / 5.
Goalies-W-B/Scranton, Thiessen 9-9-1 (27 shots-23 saves). Norfolk, Deslauriers 1-1-0 (32 shots-31 saves).
A-5,267
Referees-Terry Koharski (10), Jeff Smith (49).
Linesmen-Tom George (61), Mark Hamlett (81).

Admirals Fall to The Phantoms 5-2

From the Norfolk Admirals:

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – The Adirondack Phantoms (18-21-2-1) scored three times in the third period as they defeated the Norfolk Admirals (18-22-2-1), 5-2, on Friday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The Admirals saw their three-game winning streak end in the team’s first action after the All-Star Break.

Peter Holland added to his team-leading point total with a goal in his first game back from the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. Dan Sexton also scored for the Admirals, while Igor Bobkov (8-11-0) took the loss after stopping 22 of 26 shots.

Norfolk’s brief road trip concludes tomorrow in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with a 7:00 p.m. faceoff against the Sound Tigers. The Admirals return to Scope next week to face off against their East Division rivals, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, on Friday and Saturday nights.

Adirondack took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period with a power play goal. Erik Gustafsson sent a shot that was deflected by Matt Mangene past Bobkov at 13:11.

The Admirals tied the game at 1-1 late in the second period with a power play goal of their own. Norfolk entered the attacking zone with an odd-man rush. Holland sent a shot that Adirondack goaltender Brian Boucher stopped. Luca Caputi picked up the rebound to Boucher’s left and fed Holland in the slot. Holland scored his 13th goal and team-leading 32nd point of the season at 14:59.

The Phantoms re-claimed the lead less than three minutes later. Rob Bordson sent a shot from the right circle past Bobkov at 17:41.

However, the Admirals tied the game at 2-2 just 25 seconds later. Josh Brittain sent a pass from the right corner toward the slot. Sexton sent a quick shot past Boucher’s left leg at 18:06 for his second goal of the season.

Jason Akeson broke the tie with a power play goal 6:46 into the final frame. He sent a slap shot from the high slot through traffic that gave the Phantoms a 3-2 lead. Rob Bordson doubled Adirondack’s lead with a wrist shot from the right circle that made it 4-2 at 14:14. Shane Harper tallied into the empty net at 17:53 for the 5-2 final score.

Boucher (2-2-0) stopped 27 of 29 shots for the win.

Norfolk was 1-for-7 on the power play. Adirondack was 2-for-4.

Norfolk’s brief road trip concludes tomorrow in Bridgeport with a 7:00 p.m. faceoff against the Sound Tigers. All games can be heard on 102.1-FM, 1490-AM or 1021TheGame.com. You may also watch at AHLLive.com.

The next home action for the Admirals takes place on Friday and Saturday, February 8th and 9th against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The second Military Appreciation Night, presented by USAA, takes place on Friday, February 8th. Red Level Tickets (normally $19 on game nights) will be available for just $11 at the Norfolk Scope Box Office for all active or retired military, their dependents and reservists with valid military identification. Groups of 15 or more can purchase their Red Level Tickets for just $9 by contacting the Admirals Group Sales Office via phone at (757) 640-1212 ext. 23.

Due to inclement weather and the resulting traffic conditions, the Admirals announced that any unused tickets for the Friday, January 25th contest against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers will be honored for any remaining 2012-13 regular season game played at Norfolk Scope Arena (based upon ticket availability). These unused tickets may only be redeemed at the Norfolk Scope Box Office.

Three Stars:
1. Brian Boucher – ADK
2. Rob Bordson – ADK
3. Harry Zolnierczyk – ADK

NOTES … The Admirals have not been out-shot in their last seven games … Dan Sexton has points in five straight games (2g, 3a) – tied for the longest point streak by a Norfolk player this season (Peter Holland, Oct. 12-27, 2g, 4a) … Luca Caputi has two goals and three assists in four games since re-joining the Admirals from the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets … Since joining the Admirals from the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets on December 31st, Josh Brittain has five goals and seven points in 12 games. He is tied with Patrick Maroon (3g, 7pts, 11gp) for the most points since that time … Brayden Irwin, who was signed to a Professional Tryout Contract by Norfolk earlier in the day, made his Admirals debut and recorded two shots on goal … Did not play: Brandon McMillan, Troy Bodie, Nick Schaus, Jay Rosehill.

Norfolk Admirals 2 at Adirondack Phantoms 5 – Status: Final
Friday, February 1, 2013 – Glens Falls Civic Center

Norfolk        0 2 0 – 2
Adirondack 1 1 3 – 5

1st Period-1, Adirondack, Mangene 1 (Gustafsson, Johnston), 13:11 (PP). Penalties-Clark Nor (tripping), 4:05; Bordson Adk (hooking), 6:38; Smaby Nor (interference), 11:56; Eddy Adk (holding), 16:49.

2nd Period-2, Norfolk, Holland 13 (Caputi), 14:59 (PP). 3, Adirondack, Bordson 5 (Harper, Zolnierczyk), 17:41. 4, Norfolk, Sexton 2 (Brittain), 18:06. Penalties-Eddy Adk (hooking), 9:00; Zolnierczyk Adk (hooking), 14:24; Kurtz Nor (fighting), 18:23; Manning Adk (fighting), 18:23.

3rd Period-5, Adirondack, Akeson 7 (Noebels, Syvret), 6:46 (PP). 6, Adirondack, Bordson 6 (Zolnierczyk, Lauridsen), 14:14. 7, Adirondack, Harper 4 (Manning, Zolnierczyk), 17:53 (EN). Penalties-Brown Adk (charging), 0:22; Kurtz Nor (hooking), 6:14; Eddy Adk (holding), 8:13; Laliberte Adk (hooking), 13:21; Guentzel Nor (interference), 13:33.

Shots on Goal-Norfolk 8-12-9-29. Adirondack 10-7-9-26.
Power Play Opportunities-Norfolk 1 / 7; Adirondack 2 / 4.
Goalies-Norfolk, Bobkov 8-11-0 (25 shots-21 saves). Adirondack, Boucher 2-2-0 (29 shots-27 saves).
A-3,157
Referees-Pierre Lambert (39), Tim Mayer (19).
Linesmen-Jim Harper (59), Marty Demers (79).

Admirals Take Weekend Series Over Bridgeport.

The Norfolk Admirals started out the week down in Charlotte for a Sunday match-up with the Checkers. Rod Pelley got his first goal of the season and Netminder Jeff Deslauriers made his first appearance for the Admirals. Unfortunately for the Admirals Pelley’s goal was the only one of the night and Charlotte lit up Deslauriers for 6 goals. Needless to say the Admirals had a long and silent bus ride back to Norfolk.

Photo: John Wright

The Checkers provided the opposition for the Wednesday night game at Scope. Charlotte has had our number this season and have always been a tough competitor. This game however was all about the Admirals. Luca Caputi, Jay Rosehill and Dan Sexton all scored goals for the Admirals. Special teams were running at full steam. Two of the goals were scored on the power play and the Admirals stopped all seven of the Checkers power play opportunities. Igor Bobkov was in goal for the Admirals and only allowed one goal. The Admirals turned in a solid 3-1 Norfolk victory.

Photo: John Wright

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers rolled into town Friday night and they brought the snow with them. A very small crowd was on hand as the Admirals and Sound Tigers got down to business. Bridgeport was solid for the first two periods. The Sound Tigers held on to a 1 – 0 lead over Frederik Anderson and the Admirals into the third period. Norfolk would finally get on the board seven minutes into the third period. Dan Sexton put a shot on goal that was stopped, but Patrick Maroon swept in to clean up the garbage and tied the game up at 1 each. Four minutes later Maroon would force a turnover and send a pass to Josh Brittain. Brittain put the puck in the net for the Admirals 2-1 lead and the Admirals Victory.

Photo: John Wright

Saturday night at Scope had the Admirals and Sound Tigers back in action. Norfolk was riding high on two consecutive victories and wanted to go into the AHL All-Star break with another victory.The weather had calmed down some and the snow was melting away. There was the annual Guns and Hoses game for CHKD and that brought in a nice crowd for the Admirals game as well. Tonight was another solid performance for the Admirals. Emerson Etem turned in two goals and an assist. Luca Caputi chipped in a goal and two assists. Josh Brittain and Rod Pelley would contribute a goal each in a 5-0 Admiral victory. Frederik Anderson would stop all 23 Sound Tiger shots he faced.

Norfolk has the beginning part of the week off as the AHL All-Star game is being played in Providence. The Admirals return to action on the road Friday in Adirondak and on Saturday in Bridgeport. The next home action is Feb 8 and 9 against the WB/S Penguins.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers 1 at Norfolk Admirals 2 – Status: Final
Friday, January 25, 2013 – Norfolk Scope

Bridgeport 1 0 0 – 1
Norfolk      0 0 2 – 2

1st Period-1, Bridgeport, Campbell 2 (DeFazio, Landry), 1:13. Penalties-Nelson Bri (holding), 1:49; Gallant Bri (fighting), 5:32; Letourneau-Leblond Nor (fighting), 5:32; Combs Bri (delay of game), 16:27; McIver Bri (fighting), 19:21; Kurtz Nor (fighting), 19:21.

2nd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Gallant Bri (unsportsmanlike conduct), 6:18; Brittain Nor (unsportsmanlike conduct), 6:18; Brittain Nor (high-sticking), 8:38.

3rd Period-2, Norfolk, Maroon 12 (Sexton, Guentzel), 7:00. 3, Norfolk, Brittain 4 (Maroon), 10:39. Penalties-Halmo Bri (fighting), 3:38; Kennedy Nor (roughing, fighting), 3:38; Maroon Nor (interference), 16:02; Mitchell Nor (elbowing), 19:52.

Shots on Goal-Bridgeport 13-15-10-38. Norfolk 16-8-14-38.
Power Play Opportunities-Bridgeport 0 / 4; Norfolk 0 / 2.
Goalies-Bridgeport, Poulin 12-10-2 (38 shots-36 saves). Norfolk, Andersen 9-10-1 (38 shots-37 saves).

A-4,575
Referees-Jamie Koharski (84).
Linesmen-Luke Murray (92), Mark Hamlett (81).

 

Bridgeport Sound Tigers 0 at Norfolk Admirals 5 – Status: Final
Saturday, January 26, 2013 – Norfolk Scope

Bridgeport 0 0 0 – 0
Norfolk       1 2 2 – 5

1st Period-1, Norfolk, Etem 11 (Maroon, Caputi), 6:11. Penalties-Kabanov Bri (slashing), 2:18; Cantin Bri (roughing), 3:49; Brittain Nor (roughing), 3:49; Cantin Bri (cross-checking), 7:40; Smaby Nor (interference), 18:50.

2nd Period-2, Norfolk, Caputi 3 (Etem, Vatanen), 7:30 (PP). 3, Norfolk, Brittain 5 (Sexton, Parent), 14:56. Penalties-Gallant Bri (unsportsmanlike conduct), 2:47; Wagner Nor (slashing), 3:45; McIver Bri (boarding), 7:04.

3rd Period-4, Norfolk, Etem 12 (Vatanen, Caputi), 12:47 (PP). 5, Norfolk, Pelley 2 (Letourneau-Leblond, Mitchell), 19:19 (PP). Penalties-Pelley Nor (holding), 0:26; DeFazio Bri (slashing, fighting, misconduct – continuing altercation), 11:26; Kennedy Nor (fighting), 11:26; McIver Bri (instigating, fighting, misconduct – instigating, game misconduct – aggressor), 11:35; Maroon Nor (roughing), 11:35; Brittain Nor (roughing), 13:19; Halmo Bri (high-sticking), 18:28.

Shots on Goal-Bridgeport 10-6-7-23. Norfolk 16-7-12-35.
Power Play Opportunities-Bridgeport 0 / 3; Norfolk 3 / 8.
Goalies-Bridgeport, Nilsson 7-10-0 (35 shots-30 saves). Norfolk, Andersen 9-10-1 (23 shots-23 saves).
A-7,574
Referees-Jamie Koharski (84).
Linesmen-Luke Murray (92), Mark Hamlett (81).

I’d Like To Solve The Puzzle Pat…..Admirals Win!

The Admirals received some of their firepower back from the Ducks earlier this week. Would it be enough to bring them a victory? Well they took a spin on the wheel and solved the puzzle for Friday night. The visiting St. John’s IceCaps took them to the shootout, but Viktor Fasth, emerson Etem, and John Britain shut them down. Norfolk wins 3-2 in the shootout.

Pat Sajak and Brandon McMillan

The Admirals had a visit last night from Pat Sajak. The Wheel of Fortune star was in town with his son to catch a game. Sajak, who owns homes in Maryland and California, is a longtime season ticket holder for the Capitals and Kings. He had made plans to catch a game prior to the lockout ending. He picked a good time to come down. An Admirals AHL game last night and next week he can catch the Caps back at the Verizon Center.

Game Summary from the Norfolk Admirals:

January 18, 2013

Admirals Cap Comeback with Shootout Win

Photo: John wright

NORFOLK – Emerson Etem tied the game in the third period and Josh Brittain netted the winning goal in the shootout as the Norfolk Admirals (15-19-2-1) completed a comeback from a two-goal deficit to defeat the St. John’s IceCaps (16-20-1-2), 3-2, on Friday night at Norfolk Scope Arena. The same teams meet tomorrow night at Scope in the sixth annual Pink in the Rink to benefit the Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Brittain also scored in regulation for the Admirals, giving him goals in three straight contests. Goaltender Viktor Fasth (1-1-0) stopped 20 of 22 shots through regulation and overtime before stopping all five shooters in the shootout for his first North American professional victory.

The IceCaps took a 2-0 lead in the first period on a pair of power play goals. Eric O’Dell opened scoring at 6:22 before former Admirals defenseman Richard Petiot doubled the St. John’s lead with his first goal of the season at 10:40.

Just before the midway mark of the second period, the crowd of 5,759 rose to their feet as Jay Rosehill dropped the gloves with Ryan Schnell. The fight helped Rosehill break the 1,000 career AHL penalty minutes mark, and gave the Admirals momentum, which they cashed in less than a minute later.

Brittain cut the St. John’s lead in half with his third goal of the season – and third goal in as many nights. He accepted a pass from Troy Bodie near the bottom of the left circle and sent a shot from a bad angle through the leg pads of IceCaps goaltender Eddie Pasquale. The goal at 9:01 of the second stanza cut St. John’s lead to 2-1.

Norfolk knotted the contest at 2-2 just under five minutes into the third period. Patrick Maroon entered the attacking zone along the left wing and sent a pass to Etem in the left circle while being knocked to the ice. Etem sent a feed towards the goalmouth that deflected off a St. John’s defender’s skate and behind Pasquale for Etem’s tenth goal of the season at 4:56.

Photo: John Wright

After a scoreless overtime, the game proceeded to a shootout. Brittain scored the only goal of the shootout in the top of the third round, and Fasth denied all five St. John’s shooters, as the Admirals earned a 1-0 edge in the shootout and the 3-2 decision in the game.

Eddie Pasquale (9-14-2) stopped 32 of 34 shots through regulation and overtime before preventing four of five shooters in the shootout from converting for the shootout setback.

Norfolk was 1-for-5 on the power play. St. John’s was 2-for-5.

The Admirals and Ice Caps square off again tomorrow night at Scope at 7:15 p.m. in the sixth annual Pink in the Rink to benefit the Tidewater affiliate of Susan G. Komen For the Cure. For more details, visit norfolkadmirals.com.

Three Stars:
1. Emerson Etem – NOR
2. Josh Brittain – NOR
3. Richard Petiot – STJ

NOTES … Josh Brittain has goals in his last three games – his first three career Norfolk goals … Jay Rosehill now has 1,004 penalty minutes in his 352-game American Hockey League career between the Admirals, Springfield Falcons and Toronto Marlies … Rosehill ranks second all-time in AHL Admirals history with 491 penalty minutes in 148 games … Norfolk out-shot St. John’s, 35-22, enjoying its largest shot differential of the season (+13) … Did not play: Igor Bobkov, Garrett Klotz, Brandon McMillan, Matt Smaby, Matt Kennedy, Andrew Rowe, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond. 

St. John’s IceCaps 2 at Norfolk Admirals 3 (SO) – Status: Final SO
Friday, January 18, 2013 – Norfolk Scope

St. John’s 2 0 0 0 – 2
Norfolk      0 1 1 0 – 3

1st Period-1, St. John’s, O’Dell 9 (Mouillierat, Sawada), 6:22 (PP). 2, St. John’s, Petiot 1 (Sawada, Jaffray), 10:40 (PP). Penalties-Sol Stj (fighting), 2:05; Bodie Nor (fighting), 2:05; Petiot Stj (hooking), 2:45; Brittain Nor (cross-checking), 4:23; Huskins Nor (closing hand on puck), 8:42; Mouillierat Stj (holding the stick), 15:08; Melchiori Stj (interference), 16:59; Brittain Nor (holding), 19:02.

2nd Period-3, Norfolk, Brittain 3 (Bodie), 9:01. Penalties-Guenin Nor (slashing), 0:57; Schnell Stj (fighting), 8:33; Rosehill Nor (fighting), 8:33; Maxwell Stj (tripping), 18:22.

3rd Period-4, Norfolk, Etem 10 (Maroon, Huskins), 4:56 (PP). Penalties-O’Neill Stj (tripping), 4:15; Schaus Nor (tripping), 5:18.

OT Period- No Scoring.Penalties-No Penalties

Shootout – St. John’s 0 (Maxwell NG, O’Dell NG, Klingberg NG, Jaffray NG, Mouillierat NG), Norfolk 1 (Etem NG, Maroon NG, Brittain G, Lasch NG, Sexton NG).
Shots on Goal-St. John’s 7-6-7-2-0-22. Norfolk 9-11-10-4-1-35.
Power Play Opportunities-St. John’s 2 / 5; Norfolk 1 / 5.
Goalies-St. John’s, Pasquale 9-14-2 (34 shots-32 saves). Norfolk, Fasth 1-1-0 (22 shots-20 saves).

A-5,759
Referees-Jon McIsaac (45).
Linesmen-John Grandt (98), Mark Hamlett (81).