GREENVILLE, SC. - Brandon Anderson stopped all 27 shots sent his way en route to his third consecutive shutout on Saturday, as the Norfolk Admirals (11-20-4-0) topped the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (18-16-2-1) 3-0.
New Admirals forward Joey Benik, who stole the show on Friday by recording three points in his ECHL debut, picked up right where he left off on Saturday by scoring the night's first goal. All-Star Aaron Harstad made a lunging play in his own end to swat the puck out with one hand, finding open space for forward Zach Pochiro to step into the puck. Pochiro coasted into the Greenville end two-on-one with Benik, who he found with a feed that the St. Cloud State University graduate was able to finish under the blocker of Mackenzie Skapski.
Brandon Anderson, who entered the evening with a consecutive 167:34 of perfect play in net for Norfolk, dazzled in the first period, turning aside several point blank chances by Swamp Rabbits.
In the second period, the Admirals enhanced their lead to 2-0 with a goal just 1:08 in from Mikael Tam. A Greenville turnover in their attacking end of the ice resulted in John Dunbar transitioning play in the other direction, where he would connect with Nick MacNeil before the Nova Scotia native would make one more pass to his left for Tam to bury.
Thanks to more stellar play from Anderson, the Admirals didn't need another goal but they got one in the form of a Joey Benik empty netter. The goal was Benik's third in just two nights, giving him a total of five points in two ECHL games.
The Admirals now head to Atlanta to take on the Gladiators on Monday afternoon at 12:30. Following that contest the Admirals return home for six home games between January 20 and February 1. Friday, January 20 is Pucks and Paws and Roll Back The Clock Night. You can bring your dog to the game and enjoy 50 cent hot dogs, popcorn and soda. Saturday, January 21 is Pink In The Rink, a special night to benefit Susan G. Komen Tidewater. For more information on the team, visit norfolkadmirals.com and follow/like the team on all major social media platforms.Box Score
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