AHL Norfolk Admirals

Admirals Sink Pirates in Shootout

Published on February 14, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, VA - Kris Versteeg had a goal, an assist and a shootout conversion as the Norfolk Admirals (37-12-4-1) came back from a pair of two-goal deficits in defeating the Portland Pirates (23-20-2-6) 4-3 on Wednesday night at Norfolk Scope.

Portland jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one period on the strength of two goals by Mark Hartigan. He scored a five-on-three power play goal at 6:47 and then a four-on-four marker at 12:58.

Norfolk fired back midway through the second period. Versteeg sent a pass from the right circle across to Carl Corazzini in the high slot. Corazzini sent a wrister past Pirates netminder Sebastien Caron at 10:32.

Portland briefly re-established a two-goal lead two minutes later, as Aaron Rome tallied at 12:31.

However, the Admirals fought back two minutes later. Brandon Rogers dropped down the right wing from his defensive position and circled behind the net before centering a pass toward the bottom of the left circle. Adam Berti one-timed the puck home at 14:55.

Norfolk knotted the score at 3-3 with 3:24 remaining in regulation. David Bolland sent a pass across the slot from the left circle to Versteeg at the edge of the right circle. Versteeg wasted no time in sending the puck into the back of the net to force overtime.

Admirals goaltender Joel Martin, who was signed to a tryout contract just hours before the game due to illnesses to both Corey Crawford and Mike Brodeur, was strong in net during the third period and overtime session to keep Norfolk's hopes for a two-point night alive.

Martin also would come up big in the shootout, as neither team dented the twine in the extra session. Versteeg and Jonas Nordqvist converted their attempts, and Martin denied all four Portland shooters as the Admirals won the shootout 2-0 and the game 4-3.

Martin (25 shots, 22 saves) picked up his first career AHL win in his Admirals debut and his second career AHL start. Caron (36 shots, 33 saves) was saddled with the shootout loss.

The Admirals were 0-2 on the power play. Portland was 1-5.

The Admirals now embark on a season-long ten-game road trip. The Admirals and Baxter's Sports Lounge will team up to bring three of those games back to Norfolk via the Admirals B2 Nights at Baxter's. If you can't travel with the team, Admirals B2 Nights at Baxter's are the best way to follow Admirals Hockey when the team is on the road. Join your friends at Baxter's to watch the Admirals on Baxter's big screen TV on Sunday against the Philadelphia Phantoms at 5:05 p.m. It's sure to be a great time! Baxter's Sports Lounge is located across the street from Norfolk Scope Arena at 500 Granby Street in Norfolk. For more details - including the dates of two other Admirals B2 Nights at Baxter's during the Admirals' upcoming road trip - please visit norfolkadmirals.com.

The Admirals return to Scope on March 7 against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. To purchase tickets to an Admirals game, you may visit the Scope Box Office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., call Ticketmaster at (757) 671-8100 or visit Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase Admirals ten packs or group tickets, please stop by the Admirals' administrative offices at Scope or call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Three Stars:

1. Kris Versteeg - NOR

2. Mark Hartigan - POR

3. Carl Corazzini - NOR

Check out the Norfolk Admirals Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from February 14, 2007


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