Admirals Insider 2.0 - A Halloween Nightmare

NORFOLK, VA. - We've got some things to talk about. You'll want to read this one all the way until the end.

THIS PAST WEEK IN ADMIRALS HOCKEY (Monday, October 24 - Monday, October 31)

The team entered this past weekend following their first win on Saturday night the 22nd in Elmira, however, another beast awaited them in the Toledo Walleye. Many knew the Detroit affiliate led the league in scoring, however Scope was of high spirits after Nick MacNeil struck twice in the first period Friday and it was evident Eetu Laurikainen was on his game. But the visitors made some adjustments in the intermission and at the end of 40 it was a 2-2 game. The third whizzed by scorless, largely thanks to the Finnish netminder holding it down for the Admirals and for the first time this season, Norfolk needed extra time. The downside is that they were only given 45 bonus seconds before Tylor and Tyson Spink hooked up to beat Laurikainen and grab Friday's win, 3-2.

A point is a point but there would be no points Saturday as it was all Walleye, all the time. The road side scored three times in the first 17 minutes and they would not look back. An underlying bright spot came with just 2:13 left on the clock though as Domenic Alberga recorded the lone goal for the team with helpers from Gabriel Verpaelst and Zach Pochiro. For Verpalest, it's his first point of the season, which hopefully will remove that monkey from his back. He's already been racking up the fighting majors, seemingly out of frustration, but hopefully this will ignite a spark for his scoring. Additionally, the assist for Pochiro is big because it was his first point in his first game. Originally, he wasn’t slated to play at all this weekend, however him jumping in the lineup and contributing right away is a great sign. Keep your eyes on the new #14 moving forth. Anywho, 4-1 Walleye Saturday night.

LOOKING AHEAD: (Tuesday, November 1 - Monday, November 7)

A new month means the turn of the calendar and the turning of the page for this team, right? The opening month of the campaign wasn't kind to the team, as they finished 1-5-1-0. However, sit tight and trust the process. Albeit the Admirals got their first win on the road in Elmira, the Everblades are 4-0-1 this season, currently second in the South, and 3-0-1 at home. Oh, and by the way, they've only allowed 9 goals through those five games, good for second best in the league.

It's yet another tough test for the Admirals but you just never know. South Carolina picked up its first win of the season over the Everblades last weekend and the combined record of Florida's opponent's so far this season is 4-8-1. The gang will depart Wednesday night, puck drop is set for 7:30 Friday and 7:00 Saturday. You can catch all the action on 102.1 FM The Tide with Pete Michaud or on ECHL.TV.

NEXT HOMESTAND:Following the team's trip to the sunshine state, the boys will return home for a five-game homestand, their second longest of the year. Friday, November 11 is Military Appreciation Night and Saturday, November 12 is Super Hero Night. Should be a fun weekend of honoring some extraordinary people! Tickets will be just $11 for those with a Military ID and can go down to just $9 if you have a group of 15 or more on Friday. Saturday night, Tidewater Comicon will be in the house, so come decked out in costume and take pictures all night long!

ADMIRALS LEADERS (SKATERS):Goals: Nick MacNeil and Domenic Alberga (2)Assists: Aaron Harstad (3)Points: Aaron Harstad and Nick MacNeil (3)Power Play Goals: Domenic Alberga (1)Shorthanded Goals: None+/-: Seven Tied (0)Penalty Minutes: Gabriel Verpaelst (25)

ADMIRALS LEADERS (GOALIES):Games Played: Eetu Laurikainen (5)Wins: Eetu Laurikainen (1)Losses: Eetu Laurikainen (3+1)Minutes: Eetu Laurikainen (299)Goals Against Average: Eetu Laurikainen (2.61)Save Percentage: Eetu Laurikainen (.916)

SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T KNOW:Remember, deep breathes. Ready? Okay, here we go. Forward Steven Whitney will officially be out indefinitely. The 2015-16 leading scorer is still battling an injury that was previously suffered and has decided to begin the recovery process, which involves taking time away from the game. This week he will officially placed on "team suspension", however, as an organization we undoubtedly wish him all the best in his battle and care for his well being both on and off the ice.

The team is expected to announce a roster move this week to fill the vacant spot on the roster.

(Side Note: Yes, forward Kevin Henderson is still officially on team suspension as well.)