Admirals Win 2-0, Complete The Weekend Sweep

Long night last night. Very good weekend from the Norfolk Admirals . The Ad’s won an overtime thriller on Friday night with 5-4 victory that included a Patrick Maroon hat trick. Saturday’s game was tighter with both teams going back and forth. This was a low scoring defensive battle. Norfolk produced the only goals of the night and sealed the seep with a 2-0 shutout over the Crunch. The next victory of the night also happened on the ice, but did not result in any points in the standings. The Admirals / PAPCO annual MDA Jersey Auction raised over $60,000 for MDA. Sami Vaatenen’s jersey brought in $5,600.00 with Patrick Maroon brought in the next highest amount at $4,100.00. For this game I will let the Ad’s take care of the game summary below.

From the Norfolk Admirals:

NORFOLK – Frederik Andersen made 41 saves and Norfolk stopped all eight Syracuse power plays as the Admirals (33-29-4-1) shut out the Crunch (39-19-4-5), 2-0, on Saturday night at Norfolk Scope Arena.

The Admirals remain two points back of the Hershey Bears for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race with nine games remaining in the regular season.

Sami Vatanen and John Mitchell scored for Norfolk while Devante Smith-Pelly and Kyle Wilson each had two assists. Andersen (20-14-1) earned his 20th win of the season and his third shutout. With the win, Norfolk denied Syracuse the chance to clinch a berth in the 2013 Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Admirals will continue their five-game homestand by hosting the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Tuesday night at Scope.

The Crunch out-shot the Admirals, 13-3, in the first period, but Andersen kept the contest scoreless with several big saves.

Norfolk took a 1-0 lead 7:21 into the second period. Smith-Pelly carried the puck into the attacking zone and dropped a pass to Wilson in the right circle. Wilson then sent a pass to Vatanen at the left point. Vatanen sent a wrist shot from the left circle past the outstretched glove of Crunch goaltender Riku Helenius for his eighth goal of the season.

Andersen turned aside 11 shots in the second stanza as the Admirals took a 1-0 lead into the third period.

The lead doubled 4:52 into the third period. Smith-Pelly fired the puck into the attacking zone along the right wing glass. The puck ricocheted off a stanchion in the right corner and bounded into the slot, where Mitchell was able to fire it past an unsuspecting Helenius for his tenth goal of the season.

The Crunch had three third period power plays – including 1:40 worth of a five-on-three advantage. Andersen and the Norfolk penalty killers kept Syracuse at bay, and the netminder turned aside 17 shots in the final frame for the shutout.

Helenius (16-13-0) stopped 25of 27 shots and was saddled with the loss.

Norfolk was 0-for-4 on the power play. Syracuse was 0-for-8 in the game and 0-for-12 on the weekend against Norfolk.

The Admirals will conclude a five-game homestand next week with contests against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Tuesday night before the Binghamton Senators invade Scope on Friday and Saturday nights.

Three Stars: 
1. Frederik Andersen – NOR
2. Devante Smith-Pelly – NOR
3. Nate Guenin – NOR

Syracuse Crunch 0 at Norfolk Admirals 2 – Status: Final
Saturday, March 30, 2013 – Norfolk Scope

Syracuse 0 0 0 – 0
Norfolk     0 1 1 – 2

1st Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Gauthier Syr (fighting), 3:14; Mikkelson Syr (roughing), 3:14; Kurtz Nor (fighting), 3:14; Wagner Nor (interference), 5:28; Sexton Syr (unsportsmanlike conduct), 7:58; Wyman Syr (interference), 7:58; Clark Nor (roughing), 18:23.

2nd Period-1, Norfolk, Vatanen 8 (Wilson, Smith-Pelly), 7:21. Penalties-Wagner Nor (cross-checking), 5:35; served by Jacques Syr (bench minor – too many men), 6:45; Brittain Nor (roughing), 9:42; Maroon Nor (cross-checking), 13:21.

3rd Period-2, Norfolk, Mitchell 10 (Smith-Pelly, Wilson), 4:52. Penalties-Pelley Nor (slashing), 14:38; Hendry Nor (high-sticking), 14:58; McMillan Nor (hooking), 18:54.

Shots on Goal-Syracuse 13-11-17-41. Norfolk 3-14-10-27.
Power Play Opportunities-Syracuse 0 / 8; Norfolk 0 / 4.
Goalies-Syracuse, Helenius 16-14-0 (27 shots-25 saves). Norfolk, Andersen 20-14-1 (41 shots-41 saves).

A-6,706
Referees-Ryan Fraser (14).
Linesmen-Mark Hamlett (81), Luke Murray (92).

Bear Hunting….Admirals Bag Some Bears, Win 4-1

Photo: John Wright

Norfolk, VA

The Admirals had a successful weekend against the Bears. Four out of a possible four points and the Bears left Norfolk with nothing. While gaining some ground on the Bears, there is still some work to be done if the Admirals want to squeak into the playoffs. With 18 games left in the season the Admirals find themselves sitting in twelfth place in the AHL’s Eastern Conference with 59 points. I don’t think that there is anyone out there that would think that this years Admirals can pull off a winning streak to finish off the season. It’s not going to happen. Norfolk has a chance, but they are going to have to fight for every point and get some help if they want to make the post season. They got 4 points this weekend, there are 36 more points out there. get into the playoffs and it’s back to 0 points for everyone. Let’s get them points and bring back hockey to the Norfolk Scope in May and June.

From the Norfolk Admirals:

NORFOLK – Patrick Maroon scored twice and Frederik Andersen made 23 saves as the Norfolk Admirals (27-26-4-1) defeated the Hershey Bears (28-23-3-5), 4-1, on Saturday night at Norfolk Scope Arena.

The Admirals, who were eight points out of a playoff spot entering the week, earned five of a possible six points in the standings over three games. Norfolk has now closed to within three points of the eighth and final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference with 18 games remaining in the regular season.

Troy Bodie and Brayden Irwin also scored for Norfolk, while Jordan Hendry notched two assists for the home team. Andersen (15-11-1) improved to 8-1-0 over his last nine games.

The Admirals now embark on a three-game road trip beginning on Wednesday night against the Charlotte Checkers. The return to Scope on March 19th and 20th to host the Adirondack Phantoms.

The Admirals opened scoring 2:25 into the contest on Bodie’s fourth goal of the season. Bears goaltender Dany Sabourin fumbled the puck as he attempted to clear it from the zone. Bodie corralled the puck and swept it into the cage for a 1-0 Norfolk lead.

The lead doubled just 34 seconds into the second stanza on Irwin’s first goal of the season. Josh Brittain worked the puck from the left corner to Jordan Hendry in the left circle. The veteran blueliner sent a low slap shot that Irwin deflected from the low slot. The puck changed directions, eluding Sabourin between the netminder’s legs for a 2-0 lead.

Hershey cut its deficit to one goal just over seven minutes later. Garrett Stafford carried the puck into the Norfolk zone along the right wing. Just before he circled behind the net, he centered the puck into the low slot, where Jon DiSalvatore one-timed the puck past Andersen. The goal at 7:43 of the second period cut the home team’s lead to 2-1.

Norfolk’s penalty kill came up large midway through the second period, killing off a Hershey five-on-three power play for 1:07 with several big saves by Andersen.

The lead increased to 3-1 early in the third period. Maroon carried the puck behind the net from the left wing, circled in front and sent a wraparound shot past Sabourin at 4:34 for his sixteenth goal of the season. Sami Vatanen earned an assist on the play to extend his point/assist streak to seven straight games (1g, 9a).

Maroon sealed the victory with an empty-net goal with 1:20 remaining in regulation.

Sabourin (8-10-3) stopped 15 of 18 shots in the setback.

Norfolk was 1-for-3 on the power play. Hershey was 0-for-6. The Admirals killed the final 17 straight Hershey power plays in the season series to finish 39/41 (95.1%) on the penalty kill against the Bears this season.

Norfolk’s three-game road trip begins Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. against the Charlotte Checkers. The Syracuse Crunch and Binghampton Senators will provide the opposition on March 15-16. The Admirals return to Scope on March 19-20 to face off against the Adirondack Phantoms.

Three Stars:

1. Frederik Andersen – NOR
2. Patrick Maroon – NOR
3. Jordan Hendry – NOR

Hershey Bears 1 at Norfolk Admirals 4 – Status: Final
Saturday, March 9, 2013 – Norfolk Scope

Hershey 0 1 0 – 1
Norfolk   1 1 2 – 4

1st Period-1, Norfolk, Bodie 4 (Guenin, Andersen), 2:25 (PP). Penalties-Orlov Her (delay of game), 0:31; Brittain Nor (high-sticking), 5:45; Pelley Nor (boarding), 12:29.

2nd Period-2, Norfolk, Irwin 1 (Hendry, Brittain), 0:34. 3, Hershey, DiSalvatore 16 (Stafford, Taffe), 7:43. Penalties-Irwin Nor (high-sticking), 8:02; Guenin Nor (cross-checking), 8:55.

3rd Period-4, Norfolk, Maroon 16 (Hendry, Vatanen), 4:34. 5, Norfolk, Maroon 17 (Wagner), 18:40 (EN). Penalties-Almeida Her (hooking), 0:28; Sexton Nor (interference), 1:17; Brittain Nor (interference), 3:54; DiSalvatore Her (tripping), 4:24.

Shots on Goal-Hershey 7-12-5-24. Norfolk 8-7-4-19.
Power Play Opportunities-Hershey 0 / 6; Norfolk 1 / 3.
Goalies-Hershey, Sabourin 8-10-3 (18 shots-15 saves). Norfolk, Andersen 15-11-1 (24 shots-23 saves).
A-7,316
Referees-Chris Cozzan (18), Jason Rollins (37).
Linesmen-Mark Hamlett (81), Scott Pomento (25).

Full Steam Ahead, Admirals 5 Bears 1

The final stretch of the AHL season is upon us. The Admirals bounce back after an OT loss to the Checkers on Wednesday. Norfolk powered up their offense and set a course for the playoffs with a 5-1 victory over the Bears. There is no guaranteed playoff spot waiting for the Admirals. They are going to have to earn it. Every game won can move them up, every loss will keep them on the bottom.

Game Summary from the Norfolk Admirals:

March 8, 2013

Admirals Out-Gun Bears

NORFOLK – Sami Vatanen and Patrick Maroon each had a goal and two assists and the home team out-shot the visitors, 32-17, as the Norfolk Admirals (26-26-4-1) upended the Hershey Bears (28-22-3-5), 5-1, on Friday night at Norfolk Scope Arena.

Dan Sexton, Josh Brittain and John Mitchell also scored for Norfolk while Hampus Lindholm and John Kurtz notched two assists each. Frederik Andersen (14-11-1) stopped 16 of 17 shots for the win. The Admirals cut their deficit to five points for the eighth and final playoff spot with 19 games remaining in the 2012-13 regular season.

The Admirals will host the Bears again tomorrow night at Scope at 7:15 p.m.

Norfolk took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period on Sexton’s fifth goal of the season. Vatanen stopped a Hershey clearing attempt at the right point. He fed Sexton at the bottom of the left faceoff circle. From one knee, Sexton one-timed the puck past Bears netminder Dany Sabourin at 9:47. Both Sexton and Vatanen extended their point streaks to an Admirals season-high six games on the play.

The home team’s lead doubled with a five-on-three power play goal 6:08 into the second stanza. Maroon sent a pass from the right corner to Vatanen in the opposite circle. Vatanen one-timed the pass beyond the outstretched glove of Sabourin for his fifth goal of the season and a 2-0 Norfolk lead.

Hershey cut into the lead with an unassisted goal less than seven minutes later. Jeff Taffe intercepted a pass in the high slot, skated deeper into the slot and fired a slap shot past Andersen’s glove at 12:49 to cut Norfolk’s lead to 2-1.

However, the Admirals restored their two-goal lead 6:33 into the final frame. Maroon entered the attacking zone along the left wall and sent a shot from near the goal line at the left corner. The puck hit the inside of Sabourin’s left skate and went between his legs and into the net for Maroon’s 15th goal of the season and a 3-1 Norfolk lead.

The Admirals increased the lead to three goals midway through the third period with their second power play goal of the game. Maroon spotted Brittain with a pass from the left corner to the right circle. Brittain one-timed the puck past Sabourin at 11:02 for his ninth goal of the season and a 4-1 lead.

Norfolk closed out scoring with 3:10 remaining in regulation with Mitchell’s seventh goal of the season. Lindholm sent a feed to Kurtz for a shot from in tight that bounced off Sabourin. Mitchell one-timed the rebound into the net for the 5-1 final score.

Sabourin (8-9-3) stopped 27 of 32 shots in defeat.

Norfolk was 2-for-7 on the power play. Hershey was 0-for-4.

Three Stars: 
1. Sami Vatanen – NOR
2. Patrick Maroon – NOR
3. Hampus Lindholm – NOR

Hershey Bears 1 at Norfolk Admirals 5 – Status: Final
Friday, March 8, 2013 – Norfolk Scope

Hershey 0 1 0 – 1
Norfolk   1 1 3 – 5

1st Period-1, Norfolk, Sexton 5 (Vatanen, Kurtz), 9:47. Penalties-DiSalvatore Her (hooking), 1:13; Vatanen Nor (holding), 5:27; Smith-Pelly Nor (roughing), 19:55.

2nd Period-2, Norfolk, Vatanen 5 (Maroon, Lindholm), 6:08 (PP). 3, Hershey, Taffe 16   12:49. Penalties-Parent Nor (delay of game), 4:03; Schilling Her (interference), 4:24; McNeill Her (interference), 4:45; McNeill Her (tripping), 8:57; Irwin Nor (hooking), 14:26; Carman Her (tripping), 18:11.

3rd Period-4, Norfolk, Maroon 15 (Vatanen, Andersen), 6:33. 5, Norfolk, Brittain 9 (Maroon, Guenin), 11:02 (PP). 6, Norfolk, Mitchell 7 (Kurtz, Lindholm), 16:50. Penalties-Wellar Her (fighting), 1:27; Letourneau-Leblond Nor (fighting), 1:27; Marshall Her (holding), 3:19; Brouillette Her (fighting), 3:30; Smith-Pelly Nor (fighting), 3:30; Taffe Her (unsportsmanlike conduct, diving), 9:39; Kurtz Nor (tripping), 9:39; Kane Her (hooking), 10:48; Smith-Pelly Nor (diving), 10:48.

Shots on Goal-Hershey 5-5-7-17. Norfolk 17-4-11-32.
Power Play Opportunities-Hershey 0 / 4; Norfolk 2 / 7.
Goalies-Hershey, Sabourin 8-9-3 (32 shots-27 saves). Norfolk, Andersen 14-11-1 (17 shots-16 saves).

A-5,626
Referees-Trent Knorr (44).
Linesmen-Mark Hamlett (81), Scott Pomento (25).

Admirals Weekend Roundup – Providence Bruins

Photo: L. Todd Spencer | The Virginian-Pilot

This weekend the Admirals played host the the AHL’s Atlantic Division leading Providence Bruins.The Admirals had their defense bolstered by the return of Hampus Lindholm and Nate Guenin. While the defense was uh…”stronger”, the offense was still lacking. Peter Holland and Pat Maroon are still up with the Ducks.

Photo: John Wright

This was also the Hall of Fame weekend. ECHL Admiral Brian Martin and AHL Admiral Marty Wilford were inducted into the Admiral’s Hall of Fame. Normally you would find the Admirals try to make a nice presentation of the event, but this year it just seemed that nothing was really put into the presentation. The original Admiral, Dennis McEwan was the only member of the Admirals front office to be part of the ceremony.While he did a great job, it would have been nice to have the the Ken Young, the owner of the team,or even Joe Gregory on hand to make the presentation. This was really a lackluster event.

Back to the Hockey. Friday nights affair was all Bruins. There was more excitement in the stands than on the ice. The recently bolstered defense fell apart and made Bobkov look like an ECHL goalie. The Admirals offense was just as bad, unable to find the back of the net and fell 3-0. Saturday nights affair started off with a bang with 2 early fights to get things going. Troy Bodie returned to the lineup and got back into the thick of things with the second fight of the night. Norfolk was not going to let what happened Friday night happen again Saturday night. They made a fight of it, but the Bruins would not step aside. It took a shootout to get things done, but the Admirals squeeked out a 3-2 win.

From The Norfolk Admirals:

February 22, 2013

Providence Shuts Out Admirals

NORFOLK – Niklas Svedberg stopped 21 shots and Graham Mink scored twice as the Norfolk Admirals (22-25-3-1) were shut out by the Providence Bruins (31-17-0-3), 3-0, on Friday night at Norfolk Scope Arena. The same teams face off again tomorrow night at Scope at 7:15 p.m.

Norfolk was shut out for the fifth time this season. Admirals goaltender Igor Bobkov (10-15-0) stopped 16 of 19 shots and took the loss before being replaced by Frederik Andersen (10-10-1) 8:07 into the second period. Andersen stopped all 13 shots he faced in relief. All of Providence’s offense came on special teams, as the Bruins scored twice on the power play and once while shorthanded.

Providence took the lead 16:17 into the contest on Mink’s first goal of the contest. While on the power play, Matt Bartkowski sent a low wrist shot from the high slot that Mink deflected from the low slot. Mink sent the puck up and under the crossbar for a 1-0 Bruins lead.

The lead doubled for the visitors with another Mink power play goal just 46 seconds into the second period. Colby Cohen sent a shot from the left point that Bobkov stopped. However, Mink found the rebound in the goalmouth and scored to increase Providence’s lead to 2-0.

That lead grew to three goals just over seven minutes later as the Bruins scored shorthanded. Bartkowski picked off a Norfolk pass and sent the puck to former Admiral Trent Whitfield. The Providence captain sent a wrist shot from the left circle over Bobkov’s right shoulder at 8:07 for a 3-0 lead.

Providence goaltender Niklas Svedberg (25-6-2) earned his 25th win of the season – tops among AHL rookie netminders.

Norfolk was 0-for-3 on the power play. Providence was 2-for-5.

Three Stars:
1. Graham Mink – PRO
2. Niklas Svedberg – PRO
3. Matt Bartkowski – PRO

Providence Bruins 3 at Norfolk Admirals 0 – Status: Final
Friday, February 22, 2013 – Norfolk Scope

Providence 1 2 0 – 3
Norfolk        0 0 0 – 0

1st Period-1, Providence, Mink 4 (Bartkowski, Caron), 16:17 (PP). Penalties-Cohen Pro (hooking), 1:40; MacKinnon Pro (tripping), 5:43; Mitchell Nor (unsportsmanlike conduct), 14:40; Irwin Nor (delay of game), 19:58.

2nd Period-2, Providence, Mink 5 (Cohen, Bartkowski), 0:46 (PP). 3, Providence, Whitfield 4 (Bartkowski), 8:07 (SH). Penalties-Svedberg Pro (tripping), 7:23; Letourneau-Leblond Nor (high-sticking), 15:56.

3rd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Letourneau-Leblond Nor (major – charging, game misconduct – charging), 6:50; served by Mink Pro (bench minor – too many men), 8:02; MacKinnon Pro (roughing), 9:56; Vatanen Nor (roughing), 9:56; Hendry Nor (interference), 16:56.

Shots on Goal-Providence 12-10-10-32. Norfolk 5-9-7-21.
Power Play Opportunities-Providence 2 / 5; Norfolk 0 / 3.
Goalies-Providence, Svedberg 25-6-2 (21 shots-21 saves). Norfolk, Bobkov 10-15-0 (19 shots-16 saves); Andersen 11-10-1 (13 shots-13 saves).

A-5,602
Referees-T.J. Luxmore (49).
Linesmen-Mark Hamlett (81), Scott Pomento (25).

February 23, 2013

Hendry Proves It’s Better to Give Than Receive

NORFOLK – Frederik Andersen made 37 saves and Jordan Hendry gave the Admirals the win on his 29th birthday with the game-winning conversion in the sixth round of the shootout, as the Norfolk Admirals (23-25-3-1) defeated the Providence Bruins (31-17-0-4), 3-2, on Saturday night at Norfolk Scope Arena.

Hendry, who has played 239 career AHL games, scored on his first career AHL shootout attempt. He has two goals and seven points in 38 games with the Admirals this season. Brandon McMillan tied the contest at 2-2 with just 4:26 left in regulation, while Dan Sexton opened scoring in the game for the Admirals. Andersen (11-10-1) stopped 37 of 39 shots through regulation and overtime before denying five of six Providence shooters in the shootout. The Admirals have won eight of their last 13 games (8-4-1-0).

The Admirals will visit the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Wednesday night before returning to Scope to host the Charlotte Checkers next Friday night at Scope.

Norfolk went ahead, 1-0, on Sexton’s fourth goal of the season. Luca Caputi sent a pass across the crease to Sexton, who shot it past the right leg of Providence goaltender Michael Hutchinson at 6:49 for a five-on-three power play goal.

The Bruins tied the game early in the second period. Bobby Robins’ initial shot was blocked by Andersen, with the netminder reaching out with his glove in an attempt to cover the puck. However, it was knocked loose by Justin Florek to Christian Hanson, whose backhand shot hit the post. The puck then caromed off the post towards the crease, where it caromed again off a Norfolk defender and went into the net. Hanson’s goal at 4:11 tied the game at 1-1.

Providence took a 2-1 lead 9:24 into the final frame. Kevan Miller sent a shot from the right point that deflected off an Admirals defender and eluded Andersen.

The Admirals tied the game with 4:26 left in regulation. Emerson Etem attempted a wraparound shot from behind the net that wound up on the stick of Sexton. Hutchinson made a lunging save to deny Sexton’s shot. However, McMillan scored his fourth goal of the season on the rebound to tie the game at 2-2.

After a scoreless overtime, the teams exchanged goals in the fourth round of the shootout, with Caputi scoring for Norfolk and Graham Mink converting for Providence. In the top of the sixth round, Hendry rifled a shot off the crossbar and into the net, while Andersen stopped Nicolas Tremblay to seal the win.

Michael Hutchinson (6-11-2) stopped 31 of 33 shots through regulation and overtime before allowing two goals on six shots in the shootout.

Norfolk was 1-for-4 on the power play. Providence was 0-for-6.

Three Stars:
1. Frederik Andersen – NOR
2. Brandon McMillan – NOR
3. Dan Sexton – NOR

Providence Bruins 2 at Norfolk Admirals 3 (SO) – Status: Final SO
Saturday, February 23, 2013 – Norfolk Scope

Providence 0 1 1 0 – 2
Norfolk        1 0 1 0 – 3

1st Period-1, Norfolk, Sexton 4 (Caputi, Vatanen), 6:49 (PP). Penalties-Randell Pro (fighting), 0:07; Letourneau-Leblond Nor (fighting), 0:07; Robins Pro (fighting), 0:38; Bodie Nor (fighting), 0:38; Cunningham Pro (holding), 5:32; Whitfield Pro (tripping), 5:49; McMillan Nor (slashing), 7:40; Guenin Nor (slashing), 8:40; Florek Pro (hooking), 11:39; Irwin Nor (hooking), 14:27.

2nd Period-2, Providence, Hanson 7 (Florek, Robins), 4:11. Penalties-Vatanen Nor (delay of game), 12:32; Clark Nor (roughing), 17:01.

3rd Period-3, Providence, Miller 1 (Bartkowski, Spooner), 9:24. 4, Norfolk, McMillan 4 (Etem, Sexton), 15:34. Penalties-Miller Pro (roughing), 5:08; McMillan Nor (roughing), 5:08; Irwin Nor (hooking), 18:50.

OT Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Whitfield Pro (high-sticking), 4:47.

Shootout – Providence 1 (Spooner NG, Cunningham NG, Whitfield NG, Mink G, Krug NG, Tremblay NG), Norfolk 2 (Brittain NG, Mitchell NG, Etem NG, Caputi G, Vatanen NG, Hendry G).
Shots on Goal-Providence 10-18-11-0-0-39. Norfolk 10-9-11-3-1-34.
Power Play Opportunities-Providence 0 / 6; Norfolk 1 / 4.
Goalies-Providence, Hutchinson 6-11-2 (33 shots-31 saves). Norfolk, Andersen 11-10-1 (39 shots-37 saves).

A-6,919
Referees-T.J. Luxmore (49), Jason Rollins (37).
Linesmen-Mark Hamlett (81), Scott Pomento (25).

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).