AHL Norfolk Admirals

Rats Snatch Victory From Admirals

Published on January 26, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, VA - Goals with under thirty seconds left in regulation and in overtime gave the Albany River Rats (26-20-0-2) a come-from-behind 4-3 overtime victory over the Norfolk Admirals (13-27-2-4) on Saturday night at Norfolk Scope Arena.

The Admirals jumped out to a 2-0 lead after twenty minutes as newcomers Junior Lessard and Paul Szczechura continued to make significant contributions to the Admirals' attack. Lessard got the scoring started with a sweeping shot from the slot off an Adam Henrich feed just 1:31 into the game. Szczechura doubled Norfolk's lead when he redirected a Karl Stewart cross-ice feed past Albany goaltender Michael Leighton at 6:57.

After a scoreless second stanza, the River Rats tied the game with two quick goals in the third period. While on the power play, Mark Flood picked up a loose puck following a blocked point shot and sent a backhander from between the hashmarks through the legs of Norfolk netminder Marc Denis at 3:57. Johnson tied the game by beating Denis with a tough-angle shot from the left corner at 6:13.

The Admirals re-claimed the lead just over five minutes later. Lessard took a slap shot from the top of the right circle that Leighton deflected to the slot. Mario Scalzo found the rebound and beat Leighton at 11:49.

However, the River Rats tied the game in the last minute of regulation with Leighton pulled in favor of the extra attacker. Pat Dwyer one-timed a Dave Gove offering five-hole at 19:32.

It appeared as if the Admirals were destined for a third-straight shootout game. However, Norfolk was whistled for a penalty in the last minute of overtime, giving Albany a power play. Brandon Nolan capitalized with the game-winning tally with just 16 seconds remaining in the extra session.

Marc Denis (38 shots, 34 saves) was saddled with the loss. Michael Leighton (34 shots, 31 saves) got the victory.

Norfolk was 0-2 on the power play. Albany was 3-6.

The Admirals return to action with a pair road contests next week. They visit Binghamton on Friday night at 7:05 before traveling to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for an afternoon contest against the Penguins at 3:05. Saturday's game is an afternoon edition of Admirals B2 Night at Baxter's. Join your fellow Admirals fans at Baxter's Sports Lounge in Downtown Norfolk to watch the Admirals on the big screen. The puck drops at 3:05 p.m. For more details, please visit norfolkadmirals.com.

Catch Admirals all star forward Justin Keller tomorrow and Monday at the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Reebok! The event can be seen live and at no charge via B2 Networks' broadband video on theahl.com. The All-Star Classic will begin with the 2008 CCM AHL All-Star Skills Competition tomorrow and conclude with the 2008 AHL All-Star Game on Monday.

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 (757) 671-8100 or visit Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase Admirals season tickets, ten packs or group tickets, please stop by the Admirals' administrative offices at Scope or call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Check out the Norfolk Admirals Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from January 26, 2008


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