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Norfolk, VA

The Norfolk Admirals went in to Friday's game with a four-game win-less streak (2 regulation losses, 2 shoot-out losses) and only 7 goals in those four games. When they smoke cleared, the Admirals came out with 8 goals and a win with only 3 Admirals skaters held without points. It was a much needed win as the Admirals remain just one point ahead of the fourth-place Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, who also won last night.

In a low scoring game it's easy to describe each goal and the setup, however when the game starts to get in to double digit scoring, I've found it best not to bore readers with all the details and to just stick with the highlights. Adam Hall had four points (1G, 3A). Ryan Craig had three points (1G, 2A). Dana Tyrell and Justin Keller each had two goals while Matt Fornataro chipped in with two assists.

Only two penalties were called in the game, one for each team, and both in the first period, however only Norfolk would capitalize on their opportunity. Still trying to find a power play line that can produce, Coach Mendleson played with 4 forwards--Fornataro, Hall, Craig and Simek, and defenseman Matt Lashoff. Fornataro and Hall battled the Phantoms penalty-killers for the puck in the right face-off circle in front of starting (but not finishing) Phantoms goaltender Michael-Lee Teslak. Having won the puck, Adam Hall sent a pass from the half wall to Ryan Craig who was parked in front of the net. Craig took an initial shot that was saved by Teslak but saw the rebound come back to him. Craig finished the play and shot a puck that deflected off a Phantom skate went under Teslak and in to the net.

The Flyers organization has been hit hard in the area of goaltending with NHL goalie and former Admiral Micheal Leighton going down for 8-10 weeks and Johan Backlund, the Phantoms normal starter apparently out with an undisclosed injury. Teslak, called up from the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL, and Kris Mayotte, who was also just recently called up from the Johnstown Chiefs would be the goaltending duo for the Phantoms, but their lack of experience would allow a combined 8 goals. Teslak was pulled mid-way through the second period after allowing his fourth goal and would be spared the loss after being replaced by Mayotte.

The nicest surprise of the night came from three Admirals' newcomers, the line of Tim Marks, Carter Ashton, and Richard Panik. Ashton and Panik, both TB prospects, were just recently added to the roster and made their home debut last night. Marks made won a battle for the puck near the benches and threw a pass across the ice to Panik. Panik fought his way in to the Phantoms zone, taking two defenders with him as he drove down deep along the boards to the left of Phantoms' goalie Kris Mayotte. Ashton skated hard down the middle of the zone, fought off his defender, and tapped in the pass from Panik to score his first professional goal. It was a text book play and was sure to be a sign of great things to come from these two youngsters who figure to play a big role in Norfolk next season.

The only downside of the game would be the four goals that the Phantoms would put behind netminder Dustin Tokarski. For a low-scoring team like the Admirals it's often times difficult to overcome a four goal deficit, and in the last five games by Tokarski the Admirals had only been able to muster up one or two goals a game. Tokarski, who is expected to shoulder the load of the remaining games with goalie Jarsolav Janus out with an injury, got his 11th start in 12 games.

The Admirals and Phantoms face off again Saturday night. Puck drop is at 7:15.

Three Stars:
1. Adam Hall – NOR
2. Dana Tyrell – NOR
3. Justin Keller – NOR

Attendance: 4658