AHL Norfolk Admirals

Phantoms Slip Past Admirals 3-2

January 15, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, Va. - Jon Matsumoto's controversial goal with less than three minutes left in the game was the difference as the Norfolk Admirals (17-22-2-0) fell to the Adirondack Phantoms (19-18-2-0) 3-2 on Friday night at Norfolk Scope Arena. The same two teams meet tomorrow night at Scope in the third annual Pink in the Rink game to benefit the Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The Admirals took a 1-0 lead with a power play goal midway through the first period. Blair Jones sent a pass from the right corner to Ty Wishart at the right point. Wishart walked the blue line to the high slot and sent a wrist shot through traffic that eluded Adirondack goaltender Johan Backlund at 9:23.

The Phantoms tied the game with a power play goal of their own just over four minutes later. Krys Kolanos sent a one-timer from the right point through traffic and past a screened Norfolk goaltender Jaroslav Janus at 13:54.

Adirondack took a 2-1 lead 10:20 into the second stanza. Garrett Klotz sent a feed from the right corner toward the crease. As he did so, Josh Beaulieu cut through the slot toward the crease. As he passed the hashmarks, Beaulieu stretched his stick out and deflected the puck over the left leg of Janus.

The Admirals tied the game at 2-2 midway through the final frame. Jones sent a shot from the top of the right circle that Backlund deflected with his blocker into the air over the left circle. Wishart batted the puck out of the air with his glove onto the ice in front of him, allowing the puck to bounce once before slapping it into the net over the right leg of the goaltender at 11:16.

However, the Phantoms took the lead for good with 2:55 remaining in the game. Krys Kolanos sent a shot from the right corner that Janus stopped. The Norfolk netminder sat on top of the puck in an attempt to freeze it and get a stoppage in play. However, after several seconds, Janus leaned to one side and the puck became uncovered. That allowed Jon Matsumoto to stash it into the net for a 3-2 Adirondack lead.

The Admirals appeared to tie the game at three goals apiece in the game's final minute, as Blair Jones poked a loose puck in the crease over the goal line. However, the goal was waived off as the official deemed the puck frozen before Jones put it into the net. The Phantoms held on for the 3-2 win.

Jaroslav Janus (29 shots, 26 saves) was saddled with the loss. Johan Backlund (37 shots, 35 saves) took the victory.

Norfolk was 1-5 on the power play. Adirondack was 1-4.

The Admirals and Phantoms will square off again tomorrow night at Scope. The puck drops at 7:15 p.m.

Tomorrow, the Admirals and Susan G. Komen for the Cure will hold "Pink in the Rink." This third annual event will seek to educate and raise awareness about breast cancer while also raising monies for the Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Events leading up to and during the game include a breast cancer informational session, survivor participation during game night, "Hockey 101- A Clinic for Women" and a silent auction for player-autographed Tampa Bay Lightning items. Even the ice will be pink.

Special $12 Red Level Tickets will be available for the game through noon tomorrow with a portion of the proceeds going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Tickets must be purchased by 12:00 noon tomorrow through Susan G. Komen for the Cure online at komentidewater.org or by calling (757) 490-7794. Tickets for groups of 10 or more people may also be ordered by calling the Admirals at (757) 640-1212.

For a complete schedule and details of the promotions, please visit norfolkadmirals.com or call (757) 640-1212.

To purchase tickets to any Admirals game, you may visit the Scope Box Office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., visit any Ticketmaster outlet, call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or visit Ticketmaster online at ticketmaster.com. Don't miss a minute of the action by purchasing your 2009-10 season tickets today. Stop by the Admirals' Administrative Offices at Scope, call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit norfolkadmirals.com anytime!

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American Hockey League Stories from January 15, 2010


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