Admirals Snap Four-Game Losing Streak with Third-Period Goal
January 2, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release
NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk Admirals found redemption after two back-to-back losses against the Atlanta Gladiators with a win Saturday night at Scope Arena, 3-2.
After a scoreless opening period, Atlanta struck first just 30 seconds into the middle frame when they capitalized on a power-play opportunity. Brock Higgs made a pass from the left circle over to Derek Nesbitt whose blast went top shelf from the top of the right circle, putting the Gladiators up 1-0.
At 5:12, the Admirals tied things up as Alexis Loiseau tallied Norfolk's first goal of the night. Scott Allen took a shot above the right circle that was denied by Atlanta netminder Kent Patterson. Loiseau was there on the doorstep to finish the rebound, tying the score at 1-1.
The Gladiators took back the lead at 10:17 in the second when Nesbitt netted his second goal of the night. Joe Stejskal's offering from the right circle ricocheted to the hashmarks for an oncoming Nesbitt, and the Gladiators' leading scorer beat Norfolk netminder Ty Rimmer for the 2-1 lead.
Minutes later, the Admirals fired back again with another equalizer after Ben Betker slapped one off Atlanta goalie Kent Patterson's chest. Jonathan Lessard trailed the play and comfortably slid the loose puck in from the slot at 14:39, knotting the count at 2-2.
Norfolk moved ahead for the first time just 2:54 into the final frame. Sam Noreau drove a shot from in front of the blue line after receiving a pass from Michael Pelech. Captain Jordan Hill drifted into the slot and redirected the puck on frame that bounced off Patterson then defenseman Kevin Albers skate for what was the game-winning goal.
Ty Rimmer and the Admirals' airtight defense prevented an Atlanta equalizer through the remainder of regulation, ending a four-game slide with a 3-2 victory.
Rimmer turned away 33 of Atlanta's 35 shots on net in his first game back after being reassigned from Bakersfield, while Patterson managed to fend off 24 of Norfolk's 27 attempts. The Admirals went scoreless on two power plays, and the Gladiators converted on one of five man advantages.
The Admirals hit the road to face the Wheeling Nailers at 4:05 p.m. Sunday afternoon at WesBanco Arena.
Three Stars of the Game:
1. NOR - 2 Noreau
2. ATL - 17 Nesbitt
3. NOR - 91 Lessard
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