AHL Norfolk Admirals

Three Third Period Goals Sink Admirals against Providence

Published on November 29, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, VA- The Providence Bruins exploded for three goals in three minutes to hold off a late-charging Admirals squad to win 5-4 Friday night at the Norfolk Scope. .

The first period saw an end-to-end battle through the first 12 minutes before Providence took early control of the contest.

The Bruins' Nick Johnson centered a pass from behind the net, which was deflected up into the air in front of Admirals' goaltender John Gibson. Johnson's line mate Matt Fraser took a chest-high swing and sent the puck fluttering over Gibson's right shoulder for the first goal of the period. Providence scored first at the 12:48 mark in the opening frame.

Johnson opened the floodgates for the Bruins, as they would score again two minutes and 34 seconds later. This time center forward Carter Camper beat John Gibson from the low slot on another centered pass from Ryan Spooner. Camper's strike registered at 15:22 in the first.

Before the Norfolk Scope crowd could catch their breath, Providence tacked on another. Alexander Kohklachev snapped a wrister at Gibson that was knocked down to the left side. Bobby Robins swooped in and finished a backhand to an open left side of the net, giving the Bruins a commanding 3-0 lead at the first intermission.

In the second, the Admirals skated with urgency, and the up-tempo style paid off. Two Providence penalties gave Norfolk a five-on-three opportunity and a chance for the top line to shine.

The Bruins killed the first penalty and had 56 seconds left on the subsequent infraction on Mike Moore. During the Norfolk man advantage, Emerson Etem surveyed from the right side boards near the corner. Etem closed in on net and quickly snuck a pass across the crease to Devante Smith-Pelly. Smith-Pelly buried the doorstep dish to get the Admirals on the board six minutes and 21 seconds into the second period.

Norfolk climbed back in the shot category testing Providence netminder Niklas Svedberg 12 total times in the second period, a product of their more aggressive style and quicker pace.

Norfolk put itself in a tough spot early in the final period when Providence forced a turnover in the Admirals' zone. Justin Florek won a battle with Garnet Exelby against the glass and moved the puck to Seth Griffith. Griffith found Matt Lindblad splitting the slot who snapped a shot through Gibson's legs. Providence earned a 4-1 lead at 2:48 of the third.

Down three again with 17 minutes remaining, Antoine Laganiere received a puck off the rear boards from Zach Stortini as both stood behind the Providence net. Laganiere darted to the right side of the net and hooked the puck between Svedberg's toe and the post at 9:49. A much-needed second score for Norfolk closed the gap to two in the middle of the third.

Norfolk didn't stop there, either. Jesse Blacker spotted Steven Whitney penetrating the Providence slot on the left side of the zone. Whitney took a searching puck and zipped it past Svedberg for another goal to put the score at 4-3 with 5:18 remaining in regulation.

Just as the Admirals' hopes began to rise, Providence's Ryan Spooner silenced the Norfolk Scope with the fifth tally for the Bruins less than a minute later. The rollercoaster ride continued as the Admirals now trailed 5-3 with 4:20 left to play.

John Gibson left his net with over a minute left. An obvious, yet intelligent move by head coach Trent Yawney as Norfolk added another attacker to the mix.

The Admirals kept the puck in the Bruin zone and it made its way to Smith-Pelly in crunch time. The Ontario native held the puck near the corner then shoved it briskly to the goal front.

His pass deflected up and through the congestion at the crease to a wide open Jesse Blacker. Blacker didn't hesitate and ripped a shot from the left circle, beating Svedberg to bring the Admirals within one. An even 40 seconds remained.

The net stayed vacant and so did the scoring for the rest of the period. Norfolk fell just shy of a three-goal comeback, losing to the Providence Bruins 5-4 on Friday night.

Norfolk's Gibson allowed five goals on 35 shots while Providence's Svedberg earns the win making 28 saves on 32 shots faced.

The Admirals look to split the weekend series when the Bruins return to The Scope tomorrow night at 7:15 p.m.

Saturday is Cheesy Noisemaker Night! Bring in an unopened box of macaroni and cheese and use it as a noisemaker for the game against Providence. Following the game, place the box of macaroni and cheese in the one of the bins to donate to the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia. In addition, there will be a postgame skate with the players. Skates will be available for fans on a first-come-first-serve basis. However, fans are encouraged to bring their own skates.

Stop by the Admirals' Administrative Offices at Scope, or call (757) 640-1212 Office hours are Monday - Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fans can also visit us online at www.norfolkadmirals.com.

Check out the Norfolk Admirals Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from November 29, 2013


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