AHL Norfolk Admirals

Game with Hershey proves to be Calder Cup playoff preview

Published on April 10, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, VA - The Admirals went 2-2 last week, including a victory over Hershey, to solidify third place in the East Division. With the Bears clinching second place, Norfolk will now face them in a best-of-seven division semifinal series. On April 5th, Pavel Vorobiev had a goal and an assist to lead the Ads to a 3-1 win over Philadelphia. Despite scoring four power play goals, Norfolk could not overcome an early deficit in a 5-4 loss at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on April 7th. The next evening, the Admirals scored twice in the third period and Adam Munro made 42 stops for a 2-1 comeback win over the Bears. Norfolk closed out the week in a wild affair at Philadelphia. Though Les Haggett scored twice and Vorobiev chipped in a goal and an assist, the Phantoms held on for a 6-5 decision over the Ads.

STANDINGS
At 41-29-4-4 (90 pts), Norfolk is currently third in the East. The division is led by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (49-18-5-5, 108 pts), followed by Hershey (42-21-5-10, 99 pts) in second. Bridgeport (38-31-6-3, 85 pts) is in fourth, followed by Binghamton (35-33-4-4, 78 pts) and Philadelphia (34-36-1-7, 76 pts).

THE WEEK AHEAD
Wednesday, April 12...Norfolk vs. Binghamton Senators...7:15 p.m.
Friday, April 14...Norfolk vs. Binghamton Senators...7:15 p.m.

NORFOLK LEADERS
Goals: Mark Cullen (29) Assists: Martin St. Pierre (48)
Points: Martin St. Pierre (69) Games Played: Nathan Barrett (76)
PP goals: Nathan Barrett (20) SH goals: Quintin Laing (3)
+/- Rating: Quintin Laing (+18) PIM: Shawn Thornton (192)
GAA: Adam Munro (2.74) Spct: Adam Munro (.908)
Wins: Corey Crawford (21) Losses: Corey Crawford (23)
GPI: Corey Crawford (47) Minutes: Corey Crawford (2674)

BINGHAMTON LEADERS
Goals: Denis Hamel (53) Assists: Steve Martins (57)
Points: Denis Hamel (87) Games Played: Charlie Stephens, Lance Ward (76)
PP goals: Denis Hamel (25) SH goals: Hamel, Potulny, Ward (2)
+/- Rating: Grant Potulny (+18) PIM: Lance Ward (270)
GAA: Kelly Guard (3.07) Spct: Kelly Guard (.908)
Wins: Kelly Guard (25) Losses: Kelly Guard (17)
GPI: Kelly Guard (47) Minutes: Kelly Guard (2544)

TEAM NOTEBOOK
- The Admirals have dressed 41 different players this season, eclipsing the previous mark of 38 players set in 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2003-04. Ten of those players' last names begin with the letter "B" - Babchuk, Baines, Barinka, Barrett, Bartovic, Bertoli, Blanshan, Blunden, Brown and Byfuglien.
- On Saturday, D Cody Blanshan was recalled from Greenville (ECHL) while LW Les Haggett was signed to a professional tryout (PTO) from the Grrrowl. Haggett made his AHL debut vs. Hershey on Saturday, and collected his first AHL points with two goals and an assist at Philadelphia on Sunday. Both players were returned to Greenville after Sunday's game.
- Adam Munro became the first Norfolk goaltender to register an assist this season at Philadelphia on Sunday. He also became only the third Admirals' netminder to receive a five-minute fighting penalty in that game (Jeff Maund - 2000-01, Michael Leighton - 2004-05).
- Norfolk's 2-1 win over Hershey on April 8th was just the team's first home victory this season and second win overall when the Admirals trailed after two periods (1-8-0-0 at home, 2-20-1-1 overall when trailing after 40 minutes).
- Michael Blunden scored his first pro goal at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on April 7th.
- Norfolk reached 40 regular season wins for the second consecutive year and the second time in franchise history with its 3-1 victory over Philadelphia on April 5th.
- The Admirals have not had a game decided in overtime or a shootout since an overtime loss at Bridgeport on March 5th, a span of 16 games.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS
Friday, April 14 (Binghamton Senators)
- Fan Appreciation Night - Throughout the evening, prizes from the Admirals and their many fine sponsors, will be awarded to say thanks to the greatest fans in hockey!
- First Team Auto Truck Shootout - The contestants who scored during the First Team Auto intermission contest this season will be invited back for a shot at winning a brand new truck from First Team Auto!
- Pre-game Party at AJ Gator's - 244 Granby St. in Norfolk. For $15, receive a red level ticket, hors d'oeuvres buffet and a soft drink before the game, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tickets available at the Scope Box Office. Season ticket holders, call the Admirals' office for special discount.
- STIHL's Hometown Heroes - Throughout the season, STIHL Inc. and the Admirals will recognize individuals who make a difference in the Hampton Roads Community. The final Hometown Hero of the season will be honored with a presentation during the game that evening.
- Man of STIHL Award - The Admirals player who appeared in the most regular season games will receive a package of power tools, courtesy of STIHL Inc. Additionally, a season ticker holder who attended all regular season home games will also be awarded the same power tool package.
- Beach Engraving Team MVP Award - The Admirals' Most Valuable Player trophy will be awarded, as voted by the players and coaching staff. The award is presented by Beach Engraving.

ON THE RADIO/INTERNET
All games are broadcast on 670-AM WPMH, 1270-AM WTJZ and 1450-AM WVBA. The games are also cybercast 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.

Games are also viewable through the Internet on a pay-per-view basis through B2 Networks for anyone with a high-speed cable modem, T1 or DSL broadband connection and Windows Media Player 9 or higher. Visit www.norfolkadmirals.com and click the B2 Networks banner to view all Admirals' home and away games.

The next Admirals Hour radio show is Tuesday, April 11th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on 670-AM WPMH, 1270-AM WTJZ, 1450-AM WVBA and 1310-AM ESPN Radio. This week, Pete Michaud welcomes Assistant Coach Rick Kowalsky as his special guest in the studio taking fans' calls.

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for both remaining regular season home contests as well as Games 2 and 3 of the Admirals' East Division Semifinals playoff series are available at the Scope Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge-by-phone at (757) 671-8100 and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Playoff Packages and Group Tickets are available through the Admirals' office. For more information, visit the club's website at www.norfolkadmirals.com or call the Admirals at (757) 640-1212.

Check out the Norfolk Admirals Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from April 10, 2006


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