Captain Konopka Lifts Admirals Past Devils
November 11, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release
LOWELL, MA - Jamie Heward netted a pair of power play goals, Steve Downie had three assists, and captain Zenon Konopka netted the game-winning goal with 1:19 remaining as the Norfolk Admirals (4-6-1-2) defeated the Lowell Devils (4-7-1-1) 4-3 on Tuesday afternoon at Tsongas Arena for their third straight win.
After a scoreless opening period, the Devils took a 1-0 lead on a Chad Wiseman power play goal early in the second period. Wiseman's shot from the point was deflected past Norfolk netminder Karri Ramo at 4:07.
The Admirals tied the game 58 seconds later on a power play of their own. Steve Downie sent a pass from the left faceoff circle to Jamie Heward, who sent a shot from the right point that eluded Lowell goaltender Dave Caruso at 5:05.
The Devils reclaimed the lead just 36 seconds later. Jon DiSalvatore capitalized on a turnover in the Norfolk zone and sent a shot past Ramo at 5:41.
However, the Admirals would charge back to take the lead with a pair of goals 16 seconds apart midway through the second stanza. Heward netted his second power play goal when his shot from the left point found its mark at 10:56.
Paul Szczechura then gave Norfolk the lead when his wrist shot from the high slot beat Caruso at 11:12.
Lowell knotted the score at 3-3 midway through the final frame. Vladimir Zharkov stashed a rebound past Ramo at 8:17.
However, Devils defenseman Rosario Ruggeri committed a holding penalty against Downie at 16:39 that led to Konopka's game-winner. As the Ruggeri penalty expired, Downie centered a pass from behind the net to Konopka in the slot, and Konopka one-timed it past Caruso at 18:41.
The Admirals withstood a six-on-four man disadvantage in the game's final minute to claim the victory.
Karri Ramo (34 shots, 31 saves) earned his third consecutive victory. Dave Caruso (30 shots, 26 saves) got the loss.
Norfolk was 2-5 on the power play. Lowell was 1-8.
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