Devils Can't Stop Admirals

Published on April 13, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Albany Devils attempt to end the Norfolk Admirals historic winning streak was stymied by three Admirals' first-period goals. In the end, the Devils (30-33-6-5) lost, 5-1, Friday at the Times Union Center. For Norfolk (53-18-1-2), it extends its winning streak to 26 games.

"From every aspect of the game, I thought they brought it," said assistant captain Jay Leach.

The Admirals, who entered the night with a 35-2-1-1 record when scoring first and 25-1-1-1 when leading after one, took control in the opening period. Trevor Smith started the scoring with a breakaway tally at 2:55. Keith Aulie then setup Michel Ouellet for a one-timer in front at 7:17.

Norfolk stretched its lead to three when Evan Oberg beat Keith Kinkaid at 17:29 with an assist by Ondrej Palat.

"I think we were in a hole right from the get-go," Leach said. "It's tough. [Norfolk] plays the right way. They work from the drop of the puck until last horn sounds. I don't think we were remotely close to matching what they brought. So, it was very tough."

Brandon Segal was setup on a backdoor play by Alexander Picard at 5:17 of the second and Philip-Michael Devos added to his team's lead with a rebound goal at 7:07 of the third.

Vladimir Zharkov was the goal scorer for Albany. He redirected an Eric Gelinas shot at 14:13 of the third period for his 16th tally of the season.

Kinkaid and Jeff Frazee shared goaltending duties. Kinkaid made 13 stops on 17 shots before Frazee took over at 11:46 of the second period. He finished with eight saves on nine tries. At the other end, Jaroslav Janus made 20 stops on 21 shots for his 22nd victory.

The Devils return to action Saturday with a 7 p.m. contest against the Providence Bruins. The game is part of "Military Appreciation Night", which begins with a 5 p.m. block party in front of the Times Union Center. All armed service members (active or inactive) will receive free admission by presenting proper identification at the Times Union Center box office.

*****

Notes: Vladimir Zharkov netted his 16th goal of the season, tying him for second on the team ... Mike Sislo returned from a lower-body injury. He missed the previous 12 games and his last appearance came on Mar. 11 at Syracuse ... Mike Banwell also returned from a lower-body injury. He was in the lineup for the first time in 21 games. His last game came on Feb. 20 at Bridgeport ... Kelly Zajac made his debut with the Devils. He signed an amateur tryout agreement on Tuesday ... Three Stars: 1. Michel Ouellet (NOR), 2. Brandon Segal (NOR), 3. Keith Aulie (NOR).

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American Hockey League Stories from April 13, 2012


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