Sports stats



ECHL Norfolk Admirals

Riopel, Admirals Battle Hard But Fall Short of Victory

February 19, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, Va. - After defeating the Florida Everblades, 4-2, on Wednesday night, the Norfolk Admirals fell, 3-1, Friday night at Scope Arena.

Early in the first, Greg Chase opened the scoring. After center Alexis Loiseau gained possession in the Everblades zone, he passed the puck to Braden Christoffer streaking in on Florida netminder, Rasmus Tirronen.

His up-close attempt from the crease was denied, but Chase was in place to collect the rebound and wrist one into an open net. He tallied his 13 th goal of the season at 1:37 of the opening frame and put the Admirals ahead, 1-0.

For the fourth consecutive game, Norfolk scored first. However, the Everblades began the second period on a power play after Admiral forward, Michael Pelech, was called for goaltender interference with 1.6 seconds remaining in the first. On the power play, Matt Stanisz fired a laser from the high slot, and Kevin Lynch tipped it in from the top of the crease to even the score, 1-1, at 1:16 of the second.

Neither team would score for the next 26 minutes. Despite an onslaught of shots and chances, both goaltenders fought hard to keep their teams in the game. However, at 7:06 of the third period, the stalemate ended, and Florida rookie, Matt Willows, collected his team-leading 17 th goal.

Corey Cowick was the benefactor of a Norfolk turnover near the left corner and passed the puck to Willows in the slot. His quick shot deflected off his teammate in the crease and bounced high in the air. Now at the bottom of the left circle, Willows batted down the puck, dropped it to his stick, and smacked the puck up and over Riopel's right pad, giving Florida the 2-1 lead.

After pulling Riopel for an extra attacker with just over a minute left in the game, Maxime St. Cyr gathered up a blocked shot and sent it down the ice. His empty-net goal secured a 3-1 victory for the Everblades at 19:54 of the third period.

Riopel and Tirronen both had exceptional nights in goal. Norfolk's netminder denied 37 of 39 shots, and Florida's saved 31 of 32 Norfolk attempts. The Admirals went scoreless on two power-play opportunities, and Florida capitalized on one of four man advantages.

The Admirals wrap up their three-game home stand against the Florida Everblades Saturday, February 20, at 7:15 p.m.

Check out the Norfolk Admirals Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 19, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central