AHL Norfolk Admirals

Admirals Begin Atlantic Voyage By Earning Five of a Possible Eight Points

Published on November 17, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, VA - The Norfolk Admirals began their seven-game road trip through the Atlantic Division by picking up five of a possible eight points (2-1-0-1) in four games last week. This week, the Admirals will dock in Worcester, Springfield and Lowell before charting a course back to Norfolk for the week of Thanksgiving.

The road trip began on Tuesday night in Lowell where captain Zenon Konopka netted the game-winning goal with 1:19 remaining in a 4-3 victory over the Devils. The team then dropped anchor in Manchester for a pair of games against the Monarchs. On Friday, Radek Smolenak had a pair of goals and an assist but Norfolk fell to the Monarchs 5-4 in a shootout. In the Saturday rematch, it was Konopka again with the late-game heroics, this time firing home the game-winning tally with only five seconds left in a 2-1 victory. On Sunday, Norfolk visited Providence and suffered a 4-3 setback at the hands of the Bruins in their fourth straight one-goal game.

The Atlantic Division trek continues this week. On Wednesday night, the Admirals visit the Worcester Sharks for a 7:05 tilt. On Friday, Carl Corazzini will welcome his former team to Springfield as the Admirals visit the Falcons for a 7:30 matchup. On Saturday afternoon, the road trip comes to a close in the same place it began with a 1:30 p.m. meeting with the Devils.

The Admirals will return to Scope with three exciting days of hockey action, great deals and thrilling promotions during the week of Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, November 26, the Admirals will welcome Corazzini to his old stomping grounds as the Springfield Falcons visit Scope. On Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29, the Admirals will renew one of their oldest rivalries as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins invade Scope for the first time. For more details on promotions and discounted tickets, please see below.

EAST DIVISION STANDINGS

At 5-7-1-3 (14 points), Norfolk now sits in sixth place in the East Division - just three points away from the fourth and final playoff spot and four points away from third place. The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (12-3-0-2, 26 points) and Hershey Bears (12-5-0-1, 25 points) are the first and second ranked teams in both the East Division and the entire American Hockey League. They are followed by the Binghamton Senators (8-6-1-1, 18 points), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (8-6-0-1, 17 points) and Philadelphia Phantoms (8-8-0-0, 16 points). The Albany River Rats (3-8-2-1, 9 points) round out the division.

THE ADMIRALS' WEEK AHEAD

Wed., Nov. 19 ... at Worcester Sharks (San Jose Sharks) ... 7:05 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 21 ... at Springfield Falcons (Edmonton Oilers) ... 7:30 p.m.

Sat., Nov. 22 ... at Lowell Devils (New Jersey Devils) ... 1:30 p.m.

ADMIRALS' LOG

- Sunday's loss in Providence snapped Norfolk's five-game point streak (4-0-0-1).

- Zenon Konopka is now tied for second in the league with three game-winning goals. Norfolk's captain netted the game-winning goal three times in a four-game stretch from November 7 to 14.

- Jamie Heward is on a five-game point streak (2G, 4A).

- Heward's two-goal game on Tuesday in Lowell was the first such game by a Norfolk defenseman since Dan Jancevski did so on December 1, 2007 at Binghamton.

- Steve Downie notched his first points with Norfolk with four assists last week - including three assists on Tuesday in Lowell. Downie was acquired by the Admirals' NHL parent club, the Tampa Bay Lightning, on November 7 in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers.

- Goaltender Mike McKenna picked up his first win of 2008-09 on Saturday in Manchester. For McKenna, who began his AHL career on a tryout contract with Norfolk during the 2005-06 season, it was his first victory with the Admirals since February 3, 2006 versus Binghamton.

- After only three one-goal games in the first 12 games of the season, the Admirals six of seven games decided by one goal this season (2-1-1-3).

- After surrendering the first goal of the game in 11 consecutive contests and 12 of the first 13 games overall, Norfolk scored first in both games against Manchester on Friday and Saturday.

- After starting the season's first seven games without out-shooting an opponent, Norfolk has now done so in six of the past eight games.

- Norfolk is the only team in the AHL with more than four players in the top 50 of penalty minutes. The Admirals have six: Radek Smolenak (74, 4th), Brent Henley (51, 15th), Zenon Konopka (44, T-31st), Jay Rosehill (42, T-39th), Steve Downie (41, T-41st), Brandon Segal (40, T-43rd)

ADMIRALS RBK/AHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINEE

Paul Szczechura: 4 GP, 3G, 0A, 3PTS, 10 PIM

Center Paul Szczechura picked up three goals last week as Norfolk began a seven-game road trip. On Tuesday in Lowell, Szczechura netted his sixth goal of the season in a 4-3 victory. On Friday in Manchester, he tied for the team lead in goals with his seventh marker in a 5-4 shootout loss. Szczechura's five-game point streak was snapped on Saturday in Manchester after he was held off the scoresheet in a 2-1 victory. On Sunday in Providence, Szczechura took the team lead in tallies with his eighth of the season in a 4-3 loss.

After the first 16 games of the season, Szczechura paces Norfolk with eight goals and 18 points, ranking in the top 20 in the AHL in both departments. His +8 rating is also the second best on the Admirals squad.

UPCOMING EVENTS/PROMOTIONS

For more details, please visit norfolkadmirals.com.

Wednesday, November 26 (vs. Springfield Falcons)

- Domino's Pizza Oven-Baked Sandwich Giveaway - The first 5,000 fans through the gates on Wednesday will receive a coupon for a free Domino's oven-baked sandwich.

- Family Fun Pack Night - Family Fun Packs are available for every Wednesday and Thursday Admirals home game throughout the regular season. The offer four Red Level tickets, four hot dogs, four popcorns and four sodas for just $48 - that's a savings of $37! Family Fun Packs are available at the Scope Box Office and online at ticketmaster.com.

- Student Rush Night - High school and college students with a valid school ID can get $8 White Level tickets only at the Scope Box Office after 2:00 p.m. on the day of the game. This offer is available on all Wednesday and Thursday home games throughout the regular season.

- USA Hockey Night - USA Hockey members received an email last weekend with a special discounted ticket offer for Wednesday night's game against Springfield.

Friday, November 28 (vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins)

- Admirals Mousepad Giveaway, Courtesy of Your Community PhoneBook - The first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive an Admirals mousepad courtesy of Your Community PhoneBook

Saturday, November 29 (vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins)

- CHKD Childhood Cancer Program Night, Presented by Alliance Heating & Air - The Admirals and Alliance Heating & Air are "Teaming Up for a Good Fight" to raise funds for the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD) Childhood Cancer Program. Alliance Heating & Air will pass out special tee shirts to the first 1,000 mothers through the gates. You can help raise funds for the program by purchasing $10 Red Level tickets from the Admirals at (757) 640-1212 ext. 23. Two dollars from every ticket purchased will go back to CHKD's Childhood Cancer Program.

- Miss Virginia 2008 Appearance - Miss Virginia 2008 and former Penn State University Lady Icers goaltender Tara Wheeler will be in attendance for a special intermission event. More details will be made available as the event approaches.

THIS WEEK ON THE ADMIRALS HOUR

Tune in to the Admirals Hour on Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. on ESPN Radio 1310 WGH-AM. Admirals Vice President Joe Gregory, Admirals Color Commentator Pat Shetler, Admirals Hall of Fame Member and the founder of the Admirals Blake Cullen, and Admirals part-owner Dave Rosenfield will be in the studio hosting the show.

NORFOLK STREAKS AND TRENDS

Player Streak/Trend Totals Streak Start

Jamie Heward Five-game point streak 2G, 4A 11/07 vs. RFD

Daryl Boyle Even or plus-rating in 8 straight games +10 10/11 vs. HER

Paul Szczechura Points in 6 of last 7 games 3G, 5A 11/01 vs. POR

Jamie Heward Points in 6 of last 7 games 2G, 5A 10/29 vs. PHI

Radek Smolenak Points in 5 of last 7 games 3G, 4A 11/01 vs. POR

Radek Smolenak Points in 11 of last 15 games 7G, 8A 10/11 vs. HER

Paul Szczechura Points in 11 of last 16 games 8G, 10A 10/10 vs. HER

Brandon Segal Points in 11 of last 16 games 7G, 8A 10/10 vs. HER

Andrew Hutchinson Points and assists in 4 of last 6 games 1G, 5A 11/07 vs. RFD

Zenon Konopka Goals and points in 4 of last 6 games 4G, 1A 11/07 vs. RFD

Daryl Boyle Points in 4 of last 6 games 1G, 4A 11/01 vs. POR

Bracken Kearns Points in 4 of last 7 games 3G, 2A 11/01 vs. POR

ADMIRALS AMONG THE TOP 50 IN THE AHL:

- Points: Paul Szczechura (18, T-13th), Brandon Segal and Radek Smolenak (15, T-25th)

- Goals: Paul Szczechura (8, T-16th), Brandon Segal and Radek Smolenak (7, T-23rd),

- Assists: Steve Downie (11, T-14th), Paul Szczechura (10, T-21st)

- Plus/Minus: Daryl Boyle (+10, T-11th), Paul Szczechura (+8, T-23rd)

- Penalty Minutes: Radek Smolenak (74, 4th), Brent Henley (51, 15th), Zenon Konopka (44, T-31st), Jay Rosehill (42, T-39th), Steve Downie (41, T-41st), Brandon Segal (40, T-43rd)

- Power Play Goals: Jamie Heward and Radek Smolenak (3, T-26th)

- Shorthanded Goals: Paul Szczechura (1, T-7th)

- Game-winning Goals: Zenon Konopka (3, T-2nd)

- Shots: Paul Szczechura and Brandon Segal (52, T-10th), Brandon Bochenski (47, T-22nd), Blair Jones (46, 27th), Radek Smolenak (42, T-41st)

- Games Played: Karri Ramo (13, T-2nd)

- Minutes Played: Karri Ramo (797, 2nd)

- Wins: Karri Ramo (4, T-20th)

- Saves: Karri Ramo (375, 2nd)

NORFOLK LEADERS

Goals: Paul Szczechura (8) Assists: Paul Szczechura (10)

Points: Paul Szczechura (18) Games: Several (16)

PP goals: Jamie Heward, Radek Smolenak (3) SH goals: Paul Szczechura (1)

+/- Rating: Daryl Boyle (+10) PIM: Radek Smolenak (75)

GAA: Mike McKenna (3.35) Spct: Mike McKenna (.892)

Wins: Karri Ramo (4) Losses: Karri Ramo (6)

GPI: Karri Ramo (13) Minutes: Karri Ramo (797)

WORCESTER LEADERS

Goals: Cory Larose (7) Assists: Ryan Vesce (10)

Points: Tom Cavanagh (13) Games: Several (15)

PP goals: Tom Cavanagh, Cory Larose (4) SH goals: Tom Cavanagh (1)

+/- Rating: P.J. Fenton (+4) PIM: Frazer McLaren (48)

GAA: Taylor Dakers (0.00) Spct: Taylor Dakers (1.000)

Wins: Thomas Greiss (4) Losses: Thomas Greiss (5)

GPI: Thomas Greiss (9) Minutes: Thomas Greiss (541)

SPRINGFIELD LEADERS

Goals: Ryan Potulny (8) Assists: Rob Schremp (10)

Points: Rob Schremp (10) Games: Several (15)

PP goals: Ryan Potulny (3) SH goals: Liam Reddox (1)

+/- Rating: Sebastien Bisaillon (+5) PIM: Guillaume Lefebvre (40)

GAA: Devan Dubnyk (2.44) Spct: Devan Dubnyk (.924)

Wins: Devan Dubnyk (7) Losses: Devan Dubnyk (6)

GPI: Devan Dubnyk (14) Minutes: Devan Dubnyk (813)

LOWELL LEADERS

Goals: Patrick Davis, Matt Halischuk (5) Assists: Jon DiSalvatore (9)

Points: Jon DiSalvatore (12) Games: Several (14)

PP goals: Nicklas Bergfors, Jon DiSalvatore, Matt Halischuk (2)

SH goals: Matt Halischuk (1)

+/- Rating: Nicklas Bergfors, Tyler Eckford, Vladimir Zharkov (+3)

PIM: Brad Mills (46)

GAA: Jeff Frazee (2.38) Spct: Jeff Frazee (.928)

Wins: Scott Clemmensen (4) Losses: Dave Caruso (4)

GPI: Scott Clemmensen (8) Minutes: Scott Clemmensen (468)

TRANSACTIONS OF THE PAST WEEK

November 14, 2008 ADD D Janne Niskala - Suspension lifted

DELETE D Janne Niskala - Reassigned by Tampa Bay (NHL) to Frolunda (SEL)

November 11, 2008 DELETE F Brent Henley - Loaned to Augusta (ECHL)

November 9, 2008 DELETE RW Chris Lawrence - Reassigned by Tampa Bay (NHL) to Augusta (ECHL)

TICKETS

To purchase tickets to any Admirals game, you may visit the Scope Box Office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., visit any Ticketmaster outlet, call Ticketmaster at (757) 671-8100 or visit Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com. Don't miss a minute of the action by purchasing your 2008-09 season tickets today. Stop by the Admirals' Administrative Offices at Scope, call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit norfolkadmirals.com anytime!

ON THE RADIO/INTERNET

All games are broadcast on ESPN Radio 1310 WGH-AM. The games are also cybercast at SportsJuice.com. Go to SportsJuice.com, or click on the link at norfolkadmirals.com. Broadcasts begin 15 minutes prior to game time.

Games are also viewable through the Internet on a pay-per-view basis through AHL Live. Visit norfolkadmirals.com and click the AHL Live banner on the left side of the site to view all Admirals' home and away games.

Check out the Norfolk Admirals Statistics

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