AHL Norfolk Admirals

Admirals split two games in Philadelphia

April 26, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Blue and Gold split the first two games of their East Division Semifinal best-of-seven series in Philadelphia, evening the series at 1-1. On Wednesday, April 21, the Phantoms handed the Admirals their first loss of the post-season with a 2-1 decision over Norfolk. On Friday, April 23, Quintin Laing scored in the 10th minute of overtime to give the Blue and Gold a 2-1 win in Game Two.

The #5 seeded Admirals and #1 seeded Philadelphia Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers) continue their East Division Semifinal Series this week. The schedule follows including results of games played. The winner of the series will face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh Penguins) in the best-of-seven East Division Finals.

Game One Wednesday, April 21 7:05 p.m. Wachovia Center Philadelphia - 2 Norfolk - 1
Game Two Friday, April 23 7:05 p.m. Wachovia Center Norfolk - 2 Philadelphia - 1 OT
Game Three Tuesday, April 27 7:15 p.m. Norfolk Scope
Game Four Wednesday, April 28 7:15 p.m. Norfolk Scope
Game Five Friday, April 30 7:30 p.m. Norfolk Scope
*Game Six Saturday, May 1 7:05 p.m. Wachovia Center
*Game Seven Monday, May 3 7:05 p.m. Wachovia Center

* If necessary

For the latest Calder Cup 2004 Playoffs standings and information, visit caldercup.com.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Game 3 - Tuesday, April 27 ... Norfolk vs. Philadelphia Phantoms ... 7:15 p.m.
Game 4 - Wednesday, April 28 ... Norfolk vs. Philadelphia Phantoms ... 7:15 p.m.
Game 5 - Friday, April 30 ... Norfolk vs. Philadelphia Phantoms ... 7:30 p.m.

After two games in the division semifinal series, eight Admirals have registered points, with Marty Wilford (0+2=2 points) leading the team. Only five Phantoms have recorded points, and Ian MacNeil is the only skater with two points (two goals). Norfolk has picked up 30 PIM in the series thus far, with several players receiving four PIM. The Flyers' farm hands have 20 PIM in the two games, with P.J. Stock having spent eight minutes in the penalty box. Norfolk is one for seven on the power play (14.3) and Philadelphia is one for 12 with the man-advantage (8.3).

TEAM NOTEBOOK

* Norfolk has yet to score a goal in the first period against Philadelphia. The club has scored once each in the second, third and overtime periods, while the Phantoms have notched two goals in the first stanza and one in the second frame.

* The Admirals are now 4-3 all-time in playoff games that require overtime. The Blue and Gold are 4-1 when a contest is decided in one extra period and 0-2 in matches that have two extra frames.

* Craig Anderson picked up the win in Game Two, ending a three-game post-season losing streak dating back to May 7, 2003. He is now 3-4 all-time in playoff action.

* Among all AHL goaltenders in the playoffs, Michael Leighton is third in GAA (0.67) and spct. (.976) and Craig Anderson is fourth in both categories (0.86 GAA, .966 spct.). Leighton is 2-1 in three starts while Anderson is 1-0 in one appearance.

* In the post-season, Quintin Laing (3+1) and Johnathan Aitken (1+3) lead the team in scoring with four points each. Laing's three tallies are most on the squad as are Aitken's three helpers.

* Aitken's plus-5 rating in is best on the Admirals and places him among the top 10 post-season skaters.

ON THE RADIO

All games are broadcast on the Admirals' Flagship Station, AM-1230 WJOI. The games are also cybercast on the World Wide Web at SportsJuice.com. Go to www.SportsJuice.com, or click on the link at www.norfolkadmirals.com. Pre-game broadcasts begin 15 minutes prior to game starting time.

TICKET INFORMATION

Calder Cup 2004 Playoff Ticket Packages are on sale through the Admirals' office and www.norfolkadmirals.com until close of business today. Playoff Ticket Package holders should use Ticket A for Tuesday, April 27; Ticket B for Wednesday, April 28; and Ticket C for Friday, April 30. Individual tickets are also on sale now through the Scope Box Office, all TicketMaster outlets, charge-by-phone at (757) 671-8100 and online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.norfolkadmirals.com or call the Admirals at (757) 363-1900.

Check out the Norfolk Admirals Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from April 26, 2004


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