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).

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).

Admirals Go 1-2 On Weekend Roadtrip

The Norfolk Admirals returned from the holidays with 3 games in 3 nights. First up for the Admirals was a match up against the former Norfolk Admirals. This was the first of eight games for these two teams. Syracuse took the first game 4-2 and will be Norfolk’s opponent this upcoming Friday and Saturday. Next up for the Admirals was a game against the divisional rival WB/S Penguins. Norfolk bounced back with a 3-2 overtime victory. Norfolk’s hope for salvaging the weekend road trip was spoiled in the first period of their Sunday afternoon match against the Springfield Falcons. Springfield held the Admirals to a Emerson Etem shorthanded goal and beat the Admirals 4-1.

Game Summary From The Norfolk Admirals:

December 29, 2012

Maroon Nets Overtime Winner As Admirals Top Penguins

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, Penn. – Patrick Maroon scored a power play goal 1:21 into overtime as the Norfolk Admirals (14-14-1-0) topped the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (14-13-2-1), 3-2, on Saturday night from the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

Chris Wagner and Peter Holland also scored for Norfolk, while goaltender Igor Bobkov (7-8-0) stopped 23 of 25 shots in the victory.

Norfolk, which has posted a 7-3-1-0 record in December so far, rounds out the month and a three-game road trip tomorrow evening against the Springfield Falcons. They return to Norfolk Scope Arena on Friday and Saturday nights to face off against the Syracuse Crunch.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton opened scoring 4:14 into the first period. Brian Gibbons sent a wrist shot from the right point through a screen and past Bobkov to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead.

The Admirals tied the game at 1-1 midway through the second period. Wagner won a faceoff at the left dot in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton zone to Gabe Guentzel at the left point. Guentzel skated into the high slot and sent a wrist shot through traffic. Wagner deflected the shot past Penguins goaltender Jeff Zatkoff at 6:06 for his third goal of the season.

Norfolk took a 2-1 lead late in the second period on Holland’s team-leading 12th goal of the season. A Wilkes-Barre/Scranton forward sent a shot that caromed all the way around the glass in the Admirals’ zone and landed just across the blue line near the left point. Holland picked up the puck on a breakaway and scored glove-side at 16:33.

The lead was short-lived, however, as the Penguins tied the game just 46 seconds later. Former Admirals forward Trevor Smith won a faceoff in left circle. He centered the puck towards the low slot, and Jayson Megna sent a shot between Bobkov’s legs to tie the game at 2-2 at 17:19 of the second period.

After a scoreless third period, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s Benn Ferriero was whistled for hooking 27 seconds into overtime, giving Norfolk a four-on-three skater advantage. Holland sent a pass from the bottom of the right circle across the slot to Maroon, who was stationed on top of the goalmouth to Zatkoff’s right. Maroon tipped the puck past the right skate of the goaltender and into the net for his ninth goal of the season at 1:21, as Norfolk claimed the 3-2 victory.

Zatkoff (11-10-0) stopped 25 of 28 shots.

Norfolk was 1-for-4 on the power play. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton was 0-for-3.

Three Stars:
1. Patrick Maroon – NOR
2. Peter Holland – NOR
3. Jayson Megna – WBS

NOTES … Patrick Maroon has points in four consecutive games (2g, 2a) … Norfolk has overtime wins in two of their last three games. Peter Holland has the primary assist on both overtime goals … With his two-point performance tonight, Holland now has 29 points (12g, 17a) in 29 games this season … The Admirals have improved to 6-1 in games decided after regulation, with a 3-1 mark in overtime and a 3-0 mark in shootouts … Did not play: Ryan Lasch, John Kurtz, Brandon McMillan, Matt Smaby, Nick Schaus, Frederik Andersen. 

Norfolk Admirals 3 (OT) at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 2 – Status: Final OT
Saturday, December 29, 2012 – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

Norfolk             0 2 0 1 – 3
W-B/Scranton 1 1 0 0 – 2

1st Period-1, W-B/Scranton, Gibbons 4 (Samuelsson, Morrow), 4:14. Penalties-Guentzel Nor (hooking), 8:50; Palmieri Nor (slashing), 12:05; Farnham Wbs (goaltender interference), 19:38.

2nd Period-2, Norfolk, Wagner 3 (Guentzel, Bodie), 6:06. 3, Norfolk, Holland 12   16:33. 4, W-B/Scranton, Megna 3 (Smith), 17:19. Penalties-Peters Wbs (high-sticking), 18:55.

3rd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-served by Holzapfel Wbs (bench minor – too many men), 12:18; Maroon Nor (tripping), 15:39.

OT Period-5, Norfolk, Maroon 9 (Holland, Palmieri), 1:21 (PP). Penalties-Ferriero Wbs (hooking), 0:27.

Shots on Goal-Norfolk 7-13-5-3-28. W-B/Scranton 11-6-8-0-25.
Power Play Opportunities-Norfolk 1 / 4; W-B/Scranton 0 / 3.
Goalies-Norfolk, Bobkov 7-9-0 (25 shots-23 saves). W-B/Scranton, Zatkoff 11-10-0 (28 shots-25 saves).

A-5,101
Referees-Geno Binda (22).
Linesmen-Scott Adams (20), Matt McNulty (26).

December 30, 2012

Admirals Close Out Road Trip With Loss In Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Emerson Etem’s shorthanded goal was the only tally of the game for the visitors as the Norfolk Admirals (14-15-1-0) closed out a three-game road trip with a 4-1 loss to the Springfield Falcons (17-8-2-3) on Sunday evening from MassMutual Center. Norfolk went 1-2-0-0 on the road trip.

The Admirals, who posted a 7-4-1-0 record in December, return to Norfolk Scope Arena on Friday and Saturday nights to face off against the Syracuse Crunch.

Springfield took the lead 10:13 into the first period. David Savard sent a shot from the left point that Admirals goaltender Igor Bobkov blocked. However, Ryan Johansen found the rebound in the bottom of the left circle and sent the puck into the net to give the home team a 1-0 lead.

The Falcons doubled their lead just over three minutes later. Nick Drazenovic sent a snap shot from the left circle between Bobkov’s legs and into the net at 13:22 for a 2-0 Springfield lead.

Matt Calvert made the score 3-0 less than three minutes later. He attempted a wraparound shot from behind the goal line to Bobkov’s left. The puck caromed back to Calvert off a defender’s skate, and the Falcons forward sent a shot past Bobkov’s glove from the right circle at 16:06.

The Falcons took a 4-0 lead with a power play goal 4:57 into the second period. Cam Atkinson centered the puck from behind the net to former Norfolk captain Ryan Craig at the goalmouth. Craig one-timed the puck into the net past Bobkov’s left leg.

Frederik Andersen took over between the pipes for the Admirals to start the third period, and Norfolk broke up Springfield netminder Allen York’s shutout bid with a shorthanded goal 2:47 into the final frame. Etem sent a pass from the neutral zone to Nate Guenin, who entered the attacking zone along the right wing and sent a shot on York. The rebound came into the slot, and Etem scored his ninth goal of the season to cut Springfield’s lead to 4-1.

Bobkov (7-9-0) stopped 23 of 27 shots through two periods and took the loss. Andersen (7-7-0) stopped all nine shots he faced in the third period and did not receive a decision. York (1-2-0) stopped 25 of 26 shots for the win.

Norfolk was 0-for-4 on the power play. Springfield was 1-for-7.

The Admirals return to Norfolk Scope Arena on Friday and Saturday nights to host the Syracuse Crunch. The first 2,012 fans through the gates on Friday will receive an Admirals Calder Cup replica trophy, courtesy of John’s Tax Service, JPM Financial Services and WTKR NewsChannel3.

Three Stars:
1. Matt Calvert – SPR
2. Allen York – SPR
3. Nick Drazenovic – SPR

NOTES … Did not play: Ryan Lasch, Brandon McMillan, Matt Smaby, Nick Schaus, Marco Cousineau, Jay Rosehill.

Norfolk Admirals 1 at Springfield Falcons 4 – Status: Final
Sunday, December 30, 2012 – MassMutual Center

Norfolk       0 0 1 – 1
Springfield 3 1 0 – 4

1st Period-1, Springfield, Johansen 12 (Savard, Holden), 10:13. 2, Springfield, Drazenovic 9 (Atkinson, Erixon), 13:22. 3, Springfield, Calvert 10   16:06. Penalties-Weber Spr (hooking), 3:14; Amadio Spr (cross-checking), 12:22; Palmieri Nor (interference), 13:07.

2nd Period-4, Springfield, Craig 8 (Atkinson, Calvert), 4:57 (PP). Penalties-Vatanen Nor (hooking), 3:51; Etem Nor (boarding), 6:19; Etem Nor (roughing), 8:23; Amadio Spr (roughing, roughing), 8:23; Maroon Nor (fighting), 12:32; Craig Spr (unsportsmanlike conduct, fighting), 12:32; Wagner Nor (slashing), 15:02; Clark Nor (fighting), 18:02; Weber Spr (fighting), 18:02.

3rd Period-5, Norfolk, Etem 9 (Guenin), 2:47 (SH). Penalties-Caputi Nor (high-sticking), 1:22; Guentzel Nor (slashing), 9:37; Maroon Nor (roughing, misconduct – abuse of officials), 14:00.

Shots on Goal-Norfolk 7-11-8-26. Springfield 18-9-9-36.
Power Play Opportunities-Norfolk 0 / 4; Springfield 1 / 7.
Goalies-Norfolk, Bobkov 7-9-0 (27 shots-23 saves); Andersen 7-7-0 (9 shots-9 saves). Springfield, York 1-2-0 (26 shots-25 saves).

A-2,763
Referees-T.J. Luxmore (49), Jon McIsaac (45).
Linesmen-Luke Galvin (2), Paul Simeon (66).