Syracuse Crunched, Admirals Win In OT 5-4

They playoff race is in full swing. Norfolk is sitting 2 points out of a playoff spot, but there are a few more teams with the same situation. Every game for the last few week of the season have to be looked at as “must win” type games. It’s Crunchtime and the Syracuse Crunch are in town for a weekend series with the Admirals.

Friday nights game had everything you could imagine in a typical Admirals game and a few surprises. There was a fight, plenty of goals, a third period meltdown, and an overtime thriller. The Syracuse Crunch came to town looking less like the team that used to be the Calder Cup Admiral squad from last year. They were still a formidable opponent for the Admirals.

Syracuse struck first with a Brett Connolly goal at 3:51 into the first period. Connolly sent a backhanded shot from the left corner that went into the net off of Admirals goalie, Frederik Andersen. The Crunch struck once again at 17:07 of the first. Former Admiral fan favorite, Eric Neilson, deflected a Danick Gauthier wrist shot past Andersen for the 2-0 lead. Neilson’s goal was his first of the season and first as member of the Crunch. The Admirals would finally get on the board in the final seconds of the period. Kyle Bonis would get his first professional point since joining the Admirals from the OHL. Bonis sent the puck behind the net from the right circle. Patrick Maroon scooped up the puck and came up on the left side of the net and sent the puck past Riku Helenius for his nineteenth goal of the season at 19:46 of the first period.

Syracuse came out in the second and appeared to have this game under their control. Norfolk was struggling and could not  get their offense started. It was a back and forth defensive battle for most of the period. The Crunch scored at 18:59 to take the 3-1 lead. Alex Hutchings recovered a rebound from a Jean-Philippe Cote shot. Cote sent a wrist shot in on Andersen and the rebound bounced out to Hutchings who shot it past Andersen

Syracuse took a 4-1 lead just ten seconds into the third period and it looked like another nail in the Admiral coffin. J.T. Brown made a pass from the left circle that was tipped by J.T. Wyman and then on to the stick of Dan Sexton who redirected it past Andersen. The Admirals answered back with a pair of goals less than two minutes apart. McMillan stole the puck from the Crunch in the Admirals defensive zone and skated up towards the Crunch goal. He passed the puck across the crease to a waiting Devante Smith-Pelly who slammed the puck home at 0:50 of the third period. Rod Pelley and Chris Wagner worked together to help cut the Crunch lead to 4-3. Pelley sent a breakout pass to Wagner who would close in on Helenius and sent a backhand shot into the net for his seventh goal of the season. Patrick Maroon closed out the scoring for the third period as he tipped a Nate Guenin shot past Helenius at 8:49 to tie the game a 4 goals each.

Former Admirals captain Mike Angelidis took a slashing penalty late in the third period and started the Overtime period in the penalty box. The Crunch were shorthanded as the Admirals made their way into the offensive zone. Sami Vatanen sent a pass from the left point to Charlie Sarault in the right circle. Sarault, a newly signed Admirals from the OHL,  collected the puck and centered a pass to Patrick Maroon. Maroon would slide the puck past the pads of Riku Helenius for the Admiral 5-1 win at 1:44 of overtime.

Helenius (16-12-0) stopped 25 of 30 shots for Syracuse. Andersen ( 19-14-1) stopped 26 of 30 shots for the Admiral win.  Norfolk was 2-for-6 on the power play. Syracuse was 0-for-4.

Norfolk and Syracuse meet once more tonight at Scope.

Three Stars:
1. Patrick Maroon – NOR
2. Brandon McMillan – NOR
3. Chris Wagner – NOR

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 Sweep Albany In Weekend Series At Scope

Former Admirals and current Albany Head Coach Rick Kowalsky came to town with the Devils hoping to pick up a couple of wins this weekend. Igor Bobkov and the Admirals were not going to let that happen. With Frederik Anderson sitting out with an upper body injury, the goaltending duties were all Bobkovs. Needless to say Igor Bobkov was up for the challenge. He stood on his head as the Admirals took Friday’s game 2-1 and followed up with a strong performance on Saturday as the Admirals came from behind for the 2-1 win in overtime. The Admirals have put together a solid December and will need to keep the momentum going after they return from the Christmas break.

From the Norfolk Admirals:

Friday 12/21/12

Special Teams and Goaltending Key in Admirals Victory

 

NORFOLK – Igor Bobkov made 35 saves and the Norfolk Admirals (12-13-1-0) scored twice on the power play while denying all 10 power play opportunities by the Albany Devils (9-10-0-6), as they claimed a 2-1 win on Friday night at Norfolk Scope Arena. The same teams face off again tomorrow night at Scope at 7:15 p.m.

Bobkov improved his season record to 5-7-0 with the win. Devante Smith-Pelly and Patrick Maroon scored power play goals in the first period as Norfolk carried a 2-0 lead into the final minute of regulation.

The Admirals took the lead exactly four minutes into the contest on Smith-Pelly’s fifth goal of the season. Gabe Guentzel sent a shot from the high slot that Albany goaltender Jeff Frazee stopped. However, Smith-Pelly fount the rebound in the goalmouth and stuffed it under Frazee for a 1-0 Norfolk lead.

The home team doubled their lead at 16:31 of the first period with another power play tally. Sami Vatanen fired a slap shot from the blue line that hit Frazee. Maroon found the rebound in the goalmouth and slid a backhand shot around the goaltender’s left leg for his eighth goal of the season.

Neither team scored more than 43 minutes thereafter, although Norfolk’s penalty kill was put to the test. Penalties four seconds apart late in the second period gave the Devils a five-on-three power play for 1:56. However, the Admirals withstood the challenge, with Bobkov making several saves and the defense coming up with big shot blocks and clears. The story was repeated in midway through the third period, with Albany failing to score on a five-on-three advantage that lasted for 1:35.

The Devils out-shot the Admirals, 14-3, in the final frame, and one of their last shots finally solved Bobkov to spoil his shutout bid. Matt Anderson scored with 26 seconds left in the final frame with an assist to Mike Sislo, but it was the only goal Albany would muster in the game.

Jeff Frazee (3-4-3) stopped 28 of 30 shots in the setback.

Norfolk was 2-for-9 on the power play. Albany was 0-for-10.

Three Stars:
1. Igor Bobkov – NOR
2. Devante Smith-Pelly – NOR
3. Patrick Maroon – NOR

NOTES … Norfolk improved to 5-2-1-0 in its eight December games … The Admirals have allowed only 16 goals in seven games in December (2.29 goals against per game) … Norfolk has killed 46 of 50 opponent power plays in December (92.0%) … The Admirals scored multiple power play goals in a game for the first time since November 12th at Albany, ending a stretch of 13 games without multiple power play goals scored … Tonight was just the third of Norfolk’s 26 games in 2012-13 where the team recorded multiple power play goals … Did not play: Mat Clark, John Mitchell, Matt Smaby, Frederik Andersen.

Albany Devils 1 at Norfolk Admirals 2 – Status: Final
Friday, December 21, 2012 – Norfolk Scope

Albany 0 0 1 – 1
Norfolk 2 0 0 – 2

1st Period-1, Norfolk, Smith-Pelly 5 (Guentzel, Guenin), 4:00 (PP). 2, Norfolk, Maroon 8 (Vatanen, Holland), 16:31 (PP). Penalties-Wohlberg Alb (holding the stick), 2:24; Gelinas Alb (double minor – high-sticking), 4:15; Maroon Nor (goaltender interference), 4:22; Elkins Nor (delay of game), 11:15; Leach Alb (tripping), 15:30; McMillan Nor (slashing), 16:47.

2nd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-McKelvie Alb (interference), 2:43; Palmieri Nor (hooking), 7:05; Schaus Nor (hooking), 9:05; Zalewski Alb (high-sticking), 9:27; Wohlberg Alb (slashing), 12:29; McMillan Nor (high-sticking), 15:10; Guenin Nor (delay of game), 15:14; Sislo Alb (slashing), 17:50.

3rd Period-3, Albany, Anderson 5 (Sislo), 19:34. Penalties-Wohlberg Alb (cross-checking), 1:21; McKelvie Alb (fighting), 7:06; Rosehill Nor (elbowing, fighting), 7:06; Parent Nor (high-sticking), 7:31; Etem Nor (hooking), 12:37; Hendry Nor (roughing), 16:32; Butler Alb (cross-checking), 16:45.

Shots on Goal-Albany 10-12-14-36. Norfolk 14-13-3-30.
Power Play Opportunities-Albany 0 / 10; Norfolk 2 / 10.
Goalies-Albany, Frazee 3-4-3 (30 shots-28 saves). Norfolk, Bobkov 6-7-0 (36 shots-35 saves).

A-4,041
Referees-Darcy Burchell (42), Jason Rollins (37).
Linesmen-Ryan Daisy (90), Scott Adams (20).

Saturday 12/22/12

Etem Plays the Hero as Admirals Vanquish Devils

NORFOLK – Emerson Etem tied the game with 33 seconds remaining in regulation and won it six seconds into overtime as the Norfolk Admirals (13-13-1-0) defeated the Albany Devils (9-10-1-6), 2-1, on Saturday night at Norfolk Scope Arena. The win moved the Admirals back to .500 on the season.

Norfolk’s Igor Bobkov (6-7-0) and Albany’s Keith Kinkaid (6-7-3) traded saves for over two periods before either team found the back of the net. Bobkov stopped 25 of 26 shots to earn the win and Kinkaid stopped the first 34 Norfolk shots before Etem’s last two shots found the twine behind the Albany netminder. 

The Admirals now embark on a three-game road trip beginning next Friday night against the Syracuse Crunch. They return to Hampton Roads on January 4th and 5th to host the Crunch at Scope.

After a scoreless opening two periods, the Devils got on the board 4:42 into the third period. Steve Zalewski sent a pass from behind the goal line to Bobby Butler. After getting around a Norfolk defender in the low slot, Butler sent a backhand shot over Bobkov’s right shoulder for a 1-0 Albany lead.

The game remained 1-0 in favor of the Devils until the final minute of regulation. Admirals head coach Trent Yawney pulled Bobkov out of the net in favor of an extra attacker, giving Norfolk a six-on-five skater advantage. The game-tying play began after Rod Pelley won his fourth consecutive offensive zone faceoff. Sami Vatanen sent the puck behind the Albany net to Patrick Maroon. Maroon’s first centering attempt ricocheted back to him. However, his second pass found Etem in the low slot for a one-timer that tied the game at 19:27.

On the opening faceoff of overtime, Peter Holland pushed the puck forward toward the Albany blue line. Etem picked up the puck and sped past an Albany defender for a partial breakaway. He held the puck on his backhand until almost to the goalmouth, when he moved to his forehand and tucked a shot around a diving Kinkaid’s right side and into the net.

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

The Admirals and Syracuse Crunch face off at 7:30 p.m. next Friday night from the Onondaga County War Memorial at Oncenter in Syracuse, New York. Tune in to 102.1-FM, 1490-AM, 1021TheGame.com or AHLLive.com.

After completing their three-game road trip, the Admirals return to Scope on Friday and Saturday, January 4th and 5th, to host the Syracuse Crunch. The first 2,012 fans through the gates on January 4th will receive an Admirals Calder Cup replica trophy, courtesy of John’s Tax Service, JPM Financial Services and WTKR NewsChannel3.

Three Stars: 
1. Emerson Etem – NOR
2. Igor Bobkov – NOR
3. Bobby Butler – ALB

NOTES … Etem’s goal six seconds into overtime was the fastest to start any period in AHL Admirals history, beating Casey Hankinson’s goal seven seconds into the second period on November 10, 2000, against the Saint John Flames at Scope … Igor Bobkov has gone 3-1-0 with a 1.96 goals-against average and .938 save percentage in December … Bobkov has improved his season record from 3-6-0 with a 3.99 GAA and .886 SV% at the end of November to 6-7-0 record with a 3.29 GAA and .903 SV% now … Norfolk improved to 6-2-1-0 in its nine December games … The Admirals have allowed only 17 goals in nine games in December (1.89 goals against per game) … Norfolk has killed 50 of 54 opponent power plays in December (92.6%) … The Admirals did not allow a power play goal to Albany on 14 chances over the two-game set at Scope … Norfolk is now 3-0-0-0 through three of four games against the Devils in 2012-13. The final game of the regular season series will be played on April 20, 2013, at Albany – Norfolk’s second-to-last game of the regular season … Did not play: Gabe Guentzel, John Mitchell, Matt Smaby, Frederik Andersen.

Albany Devils 1 at Norfolk Admirals 2 (OT) – Status: Final OT
Saturday, December 22, 2012 – Norfolk Scope

Albany 0 0 1 0 – 1
Norfolk 0 0 1 1 – 2

1st Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Leach Alb (delay of game), 7:53; Rosehill Nor (interference), 11:00; Clark Nor (tripping), 15:11; Sestito Alb (fighting), 17:11; Schaus Nor (fighting), 17:11.

2nd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Wagner Nor (interference), 7:33; Wagner Nor (goaltender interference), 9:49; Zajac Alb (tripping), 12:11.

3rd Period-1, Albany, Butler 11 (Zalewski), 4:42. 2, Norfolk, Etem 7 (Maroon, Vatanen), 19:27. Penalties-No Penalties

OT Period-3, Norfolk, Etem 8 (Holland), 0:06. Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Albany 11-10-5-0-26. Norfolk 13-8-14-1-36.
Power Play Opportunities-Albany 0 / 4; Norfolk 0 / 2.
Goalies-Albany, Kinkaid 6-7-3 (36 shots-34 saves). Norfolk, Bobkov 6-7-0 (26 shots-25 saves).
A-4,566
Referees-Darcy Burchell (42).
Linesmen-Ryan Daisy (90), Scott Adams (20).

Admirals Victorious in 8 Round Shootout, Win 3-2 Over The Sound Tigers

The Admirals and Sound Tigers were back in action Saturday Night. The Admirals were looking for some revenge from the previous night. Norfolk started pouring on the shots. They looked a lot better from the previous night and dominated the early part of the game in shots. Bridgeport would deflate the sails a bit as they struck for two early goals. The Admirals would battle back and get the game to overtime and the shootout. Emerson Etem, Devante Smith-Pelley, and Igor Bobkov came up strong and the Admirals took home the victory.

Game Recap From The Norfolk Admirals:

NORFOLK – Devante Smith-Pelly scored the game-tying goal in the third period and the game-winner in the shootout as the Norfolk Admirals (11-12-1-0) erased a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (12-11-1-2), 3-2, on Pucks ‘n’ Paws Night Saturday at Norfolk Scope Arena.

Igor Bobkov (4-6-0) stopped 39 of 41 shots through regulation and overtime before stopping seven of eight shooters in the shootout. He out-dueled Bridgeport goaltender Kevin Poulin, who stopped 49 of 51 shots through regulation and overtime before stopping six of eight shooters in the shootout. John Kurtz also scored for the Admirals, who out-shot the Sound Tigers, 52-41.

After playing the Hershey Bears at Giant Center in Pennsylvania Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m., the Admirals will return to Scope to host the Albany Devils on Friday and Saturday nights next weekend.

Bridgeport took the lead with a power play goal late in the first period. Nino Niederreiter accepted a pass in the right corner. He swung around into the low slot and sent a wrist shot past the right leg of Bobkov for a 1-0 Sound Tigers lead 16:09 into the first period.

Bridgeport’s lead doubled early in the second period on a two-on-one play. Johan Sundstrom sent a pass from the right circle beyond the reach of a Norfolk defenseman to John Persson who was cutting through the left wing. Persson slipped a shot past the left leg of Bobkov at 1:51 for a 2-0 Sounds Tigers lead.

The Admirals cut their deficit to one goal with under a minute remaining in the second period. After breaking up a Bridgeport rush, Gabe Guentzel sent a pass from the Norfolk zone to Kurtz at the opposite blue line for a breakaway. Kurtz sent a wrist shot past the blocker of Sound Tigers goaltender Kevin Poulin at 19:14 for his second goal of the season. The Admirals trailed the Sound Tigers, 2-1, heading into the second intermission.

Smith-Pelly tied the game at 2-2 midway through the third period. Patrick Maroon centered a pass from behind the goal line toward the low slot. Smith-Pelly one-timed it past Poulin at 9:01.

After a scoreless overtime, the teams headed to a shootout. Norfolk’s Emerson Etem broke the ice in the bottom of the third round before Bridgeport’s Jon Landry tied it at 1-1 in the top of the fifth round. Bobkov and Poulin exchanged saves until the bottom of the eighth round when Smith-Pelly found the back of the net blocker-side to give the Admirals the victory.

Norfolk was 0-for-3 on the power play. Bridgeport was 1-for-3 on the power play.

The Admirals and Hershey Bears face off at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday from Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. They then return to Scope to host the Albany Devils on Friday and Saturday nights next weekend. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 7:15 p.m. on Saturday.

Three Stars:
1. Devante Smith-Pelly – NOR
2. Igor Bobkov – NOR
3. Kevin Poulin – BRI

NOTES … The Admirals won for the first time this season when surrendering the first goal of the game (1-9-1-0) … Every skater in Norfolk’s lineup registered at least one shot on goal … Igor Bobkov snapped a six-game losing streak dating back to November 2, 2012 … Earlier today, goaltender Marco Cousineau was reassigned to the Admirals by the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks from the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets. Cousineau served as the backup goaltender in the game … Did not play: Nate Guenin, Matt Smaby, Frederik Andersen, Jay Rosehill.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers 2 at Norfolk Admirals 3 (SO) – Status: Final SO
Saturday, December 15, 2012 – Norfolk Scope

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

1st Period-1, Bridgeport, Niederreiter 13 (Cizikas, Ness), 16:09 (PP). Penalties-Riley Bri (fighting), 13:27; Bodie Nor (fighting), 13:27; Gallant Bri (roughing), 13:39; Clark Nor (roughing), 15:50.

2nd Period-2, Bridgeport, Persson 9 (Sundstrom, Ullstrom), 1:51. 3, Norfolk, Kurtz 2 (Guentzel), 19:14. Penalties-served by Ullstrom Bri (bench minor – too many men), 3:21; Kurtz Nor (interference), 6:43; McIver Bri (fighting), 9:39; Kurtz Nor (fighting), 9:39; Pelley Nor (delay of game – faceoff violation), 19:56.

3rd Period-4, Norfolk, Smith-Pelly 4 (Maroon), 9:01. Penalties-Landry Bri (holding), 13:28.

OT Period- No Scoring.Penalties-No Penalties

Shootout – Bridgeport 1 (Niederreiter NG, Ullstrom NG, McDonald NG, Cizikas NG, Landry G, Persson NG, Sundstrom NG, Watkins NG), Norfolk 2 (Palmieri NG, Holland NG, Etem G, Maroon NG, Elkins NG, Wagner NG, Vatanen NG, Smith-Pelly G).
Shots on Goal-Bridgeport 14-11-13-3-0-41. Norfolk 21-13-15-3-1-53.
Power Play Opportunities-Bridgeport 1 / 3; Norfolk 0 / 3.
Goalies-Bridgeport, Poulin 6-5-2 (52 shots-50 saves). Norfolk, Bobkov 4-6-0 (41 shots-39 saves).
A-4,154
Referees-Trent Knorr (44).
Linesmen-Tom George (61), Luke Murray (92).

Admirals Fall 4-3 To Bridgeport

Photo: John Wright

Admirals hockey returned to Scope this weekend. Our opponent for the night was former Admirals Ty Wishart and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Friday night was also the annual Toys-For-Tots Teddy Bear Toss. Overall it was a pretty back and forth night. Bridgeport got the scoring started, but the Admirals answered back shortly afterward to get the toys flowing on to the ice. The game went back and forth with Patrick Maroon forcing a overtime to give the Admirals a chance for a win. Bridgeport scored in overtime for the win. The goal had to be reviewed as two Admirals and a Sound Tiger ended up in the back of the net with the puck. From my vantage point it looked like the Sound Tiger took the shot, was pushed into Anderson and into the net by Mat Clark. All three players and the puck went into the net prior to the net being dislodged. It was a good goal and this is what the referee thought a s well. Then it got kind of ugly as soda bottles, beer cans were thrown on the ice and at players. Some Bridgeport players were hit with trash coming off of the ice. This was a classless action by people who have no need to be at the games. Definitely not the way the majority of the fans and the Admirals carry themselves. This was not a good way to end the night.

Summary from the Norfolk Admirals:

NORFOLK – Patrick Maroon scored to force overtime late in regulation, but the Norfolk Admirals (10-12-1-0) fell to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (12-11-1-1), 4-3, after Casey Cizikas’ overtime goal on Friday night at Norfolk Scope Arena.

Devante Smith-Pelly and Peter Holland also scored for the Admirals. Frederik Andersen (7-7-0) was saddled with the loss after stopping 23 of 27 shots. Norfolk suffered its first setback of the season in a game that lasted longer than regulation.

The same two teams face off tomorrow night at Scope at 7:15 p.m.

Bridgeport took a 1-0 lead with a power play goal 3:36 into the opening period. Moments after Sound Tigers goaltender Anders Nilsson thwarted a Norfolk shorthanded breakaway, Brock Nelson carried the puck into the right wing. A Norfolk defender knocked him off the puck. The puck slid back into the right circle where John Persson found it and scored, breaking the streak of Norfolk opponent power plays killed at 33 since November 24th.

However, the Admirals dominated much of the remainder of the first period, out-shooting the Sound Tigers, 15-4 and tying the score at 1-1 less than four minutes after the Persson strike. Kyle Palmieri deked around a defender and sent a shot that Nilsson stopped. After Holland got one shot at the rebound, Smith-Pelly was able to chip the puck up and over the prone goaltender for his third goal of the season at 7:10.

Bridgeport re-claimed the lead 1:13 into the second period. Brock Nelson took the puck from near the left corner and skated behind the net. He wrapped a shot around the opposite post and through Andersen’s legs to put the visitors ahead, 2-1.

The Admirals tied the game at 2-2 with a power play goal midway through the second period. Jordan Hendry lofted a wrist shot from the high slot through traffic. Holland deflected the puck down and past Nilsson at 9:06 for his team-leading eleventh goal of the season.

The Sound Tigers took a 3-2 lead early in the third period on a goal by former Admirals defenseman Ty Wishart. Nino Niederreiter picked off a pass in the right corner. He sent it to Wishart in the high slot, and Wishart shot the puck through traffic and past a screened Andersen at 3:31.

The Admirals tied the game at 3-3 with just 2:45 remaining in regulation. Chris Wagner sent a pass across the crease from the left circle. Maroon one-timed the puck past Nilsson for his seventh goal of the season to force overtime.

A hooking penalty to Norfolk’s Sami Vatanen 50 seconds into overtime and a tripping penalty to Bridgeport’s Nino Niederreiter 2:08 into overtime led to three-on-three hockey. Holland and Palmieri created a few chances on the three-on-three before Casey Cizikas carried the puck into the Norfolk zone along the right wing. He sent a shot that Andersen slowed. However, the puck crossed the goal line. The play was reviewed and deemed to be a good goal, giving Bridgeport the win.

Nilsson (6-6-0) stopped 27of 30 shots for the win.

Both teams were 1-for-6 on the power play.

The puck drops tomorrow night at Scope between the Admirals and Sound Tigers at 7:15 p.m. in Pucks ‘n’ Paws Night to benefit the Virginia Beach SPCA and Chesapeake Humane Society. Also tomorrow, the Admirals will hold their second post-game skate of the season where fans can skate at Scope with their favorite Admirals following the game. A limited number of skates will be available or fans may bring their own skates.

Three Stars:
1. Casey Cizikas – BRI
2. Patrick Maroon – NOR
3. Ty Wishart – BRI

NOTES … With a goal and an assist tonight, Peter Holland has multiple-point performances in four of his last five games (2g, 6a) … Jordan Hendry has points in back-to-back games (1g, 1a) and four of his last five games (2g, 2a) after not recording a point in his first 13 games of 2012-13 … Sami Vatanen (0g, 3a) and Brandon McMillan (2g, 1a) saw three-game point streaks end … Norfolk’s streak of opponent power plays ended as 33 consecutive kills after Persson’s first period power play goal. Norfolk went 321:36 without surrendering a power play goal between a Chad Kolarik marker at 2:40 into the first period on November 24th at Connecticut and Persson’s goal 3:36 into the first period tonight … The Admirals were the last of the 30 teams in the AHL to suffer a loss after regulation (overtime or shootout loss) … Did not play: Nate Guenin, Matt Smaby, Corey Elkins.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers 4 (OT) at Norfolk Admirals 3 – Status: Final OT
Friday, December 14, 2012 – Norfolk Scope

Bridgeport 1 1 1 1 – 4
Norfolk       1 1 1 0 – 3

1st Period-1, Bridgeport, Persson 8 (Nelson, McDonald), 3:36 (PP). 2, Norfolk, Smith-Pelly 3 (Holland, Palmieri), 7:10. Penalties-McIver Bri (fighting), 1:59; Maroon Nor (fighting), 1:59; Rosehill Nor (elbowing), 2:24; Riley Bri (interference), 3:42; Gallant Bri (fighting), 9:21; Bodie Nor (fighting), 9:21; Donovan Bri (hooking), 13:52.

2nd Period-3, Bridgeport, Nelson 11 (Niederreiter, McDonald), 1:13. 4, Norfolk, Holland 11 (Hendry, Palmieri), 9:06 (PP). Penalties-Wagner Nor (roughing), 1:46; Cizikas Bri (hooking), 4:12; Rosehill Nor (interference), 6:40; Landry Bri (interference), 7:20; McIver Bri (roughing, roughing, fighting, misconduct – continuing altercation), 9:38; Bodie Nor (unsportsmanlike conduct), 9:38; Kurtz Nor (fighting), 9:38; Parent Nor (tripping), 12:13.

3rd Period-5, Bridgeport, Wishart 1 (Riley), 3:31. 6, Norfolk, Maroon 7 (Wagner), 17:15. Penalties-Clark Nor (tripping), 14:15.

OT Period-7, Bridgeport, Cizikas 6   2:28. Penalties-Vatanen Nor (hooking), 0:50; Niederreiter Bri (tripping), 2:08.

Shots on Goal-Bridgeport 4-9-10-3-26. Norfolk 15-6-8-1-30.
Power Play Opportunities-Bridgeport 1 / 6; Norfolk 1 / 6.
Goalies-Bridgeport, Nilsson 6-6-0 (30 shots-27 saves). Norfolk, Andersen 7-7-0 (26 shots-22 saves).

A-4,902
Referees-Trent Knorr (44).
Linesmen-Tom George (61), Luke Murray (92).

Admirals Beat The Bears 5-1 To Snap Losing Skid

Photo: M. Richter

From the Norfolk Admirals:

HERSHEY, Penn. – Emerson Etem scored twice and Patrick Maroon had three assists as the Norfolk Admirals (8-11-0-0) snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-1 win over the Hershey Bears (9-11-1-0) on Saturday night at Giant Center.

Peter Holland had a goal and an assist while John Mitchell and Devante Smith-Pelly had single tallies for the Admirals. Frederik Andersen (5-5-0) made 29 saves for the win. The Norfolk penalty kill stopped all nine Hershey power plays.

The Admirals conclude a brief two-game road trip tomorrow evening at 5:00 against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

The Admirals took the lead 5:03 into the game on Etem’s first goal of the game. Chris Wagner sent a backhand pass from the left corner to Etem in the left circle. Etem one-timed the puck past the gloved left hand of Bears backstop Braden Holtby for a 1-0 Norfolk lead.

The lead doubled to 2-0 on Holland’s team-leading tenth goal of the season. Holland entered the attacking zone along the left wing and sent a shot over Holtby’s right shoulder at 11:26.

Norfolk’s lead grew to 3-0 just 0:16 into the second period. Mitchell intercepted a Hershey pass in the slot and skated toward the right circle before sending a backhand shot past Holtby for his fifth goal of the season.

The Bears answered back 42 seconds later. A Ryan Potulny shot hit the crossbar behind Norfolk netminder Frederik Andersen. The rebound emerged in the right circle, and Tomas Kundratek sent a shot into the net at 0:58 to make Norfolk’s lead, 3-1.

Etem netted his second goal of the game and sixth goal of the season 14:16 into the final frame. Maroon forced a turnover in the corner behind the goal line and centered the puck into the left circle. Etem one-timed the puck past Holtby to give the visitors a 4-1 lead.

Norfolk’s lead grew to 5-1 just over a minute later with a power play goal. Holland sped through the left wing and looked like he would cut behind the Hershey net. Just before moving behind the net, he sent a backhand pass towards the goalmouth. Smith-Pelly one-timed the puck past Holtby for his second goal of the season at 15:22.

Holtby made 21 saves on 26 shots for the loss.

Norfolk was 1-for-4 on the power play. Hershey was 0-for-9.

Norfolk Admirals 5 at Hershey Bears 1 – Status: Final
Saturday, December 1, 2012 – Giant Center

Norfolk   2 1 2 – 5
Hershey 0 1 0 – 1

1st Period-1, Norfolk, Etem 5 (Maroon, Wagner), 5:03. 2, Norfolk, Holland 10 (Maroon, Andersen), 11:26. Penalties-Holland Nor (holding the stick), 8:43; Marshall Her (holding), 14:30; served by Palmieri Nor (bench minor – too many men), 15:45.

2nd Period-3, Norfolk, Mitchell 5   0:16. 4, Hershey, Kundratek 6 (Potulny), 0:58. Penalties-Rosehill Nor (high-sticking), 6:28; Guentzel Nor (hooking), 10:07; Hamill Her (hooking), 11:56; served by Berry Her (bench minor – too many men), 16:02; Vatanen Nor (delay of game), 17:45; Clark Nor (delay of game), 19:23.

3rd Period-5, Norfolk, Etem 6 (Maroon), 14:16. 6, Norfolk, Smith-Pelly 2 (Holland, Hendry), 15:22 (PP). Penalties-Hendry Nor (delay of game), 1:28; Hendry Nor (holding), 10:14; Maroon Nor (fighting), 14:52; Palmieri Nor (misconduct – unsportsmanlike conduct), 14:52; Berry Her (boarding, fighting), 14:52; Oleksy Her (misconduct – unsportsmanlike conduct), 14:52; served by Holland Nor (bench minor – too many men), 17:18.

Shots on Goal-Norfolk 12-9-5-26. Hershey 8-11-11-30.
Power Play Opportunities-Norfolk 1 / 4; Hershey 0 / 9.
Goalies-Norfolk, Andersen 6-5-0 (30 shots-29 saves). Hershey, Holtby 7-7-0 (26 shots-21 saves).
A-10,216
Referees-Darcy Burchell (42).
Linesmen-Tom George (61), Bob Goodman (90).