Admirals Insider 2.0 - It's Not Always Sunny In Florida

NORFOLK, VA. – The trip to the sunshine state was anything but sunshine and blue skies. Let’s access.

THIS PAST WEEK IN ADMIRALS HOCKEY: (February 14 – February 21)

4-2 L @ Orlando

7-4 L @ Orlando

3-2 SO W @ Orlando

Thursday: 4-2 L @ Orlando

Per the usual, the issues had already started before the team bus headed south on Tuesday. There were at least two players ill and when there are almost 30 men confined in that tight space, it’s going to spread.

That led to stud goaltender Philippe Desrosiers missing Thursday night’s game, a tough loss considering he had entered after two wins the previous weekend. Additionally, just prior to the game, John Kurtz suffered an upper-body injury that set the Admirals a man behind already. Furthermore, Joey Benik and Lukas Lofquist were unable to play due to injuries, thus setting the Admirals down to just 14 men in the lineup.

On a positive note, Nick MacNeil returned to the lineup for the first time in six weeks.

After a scoreless first, Orlando put two by Brandon Anderson in just 27 seconds to give them a good jump. A shining moment for the Admirals came in the form of Domenic Alberga’s first power play goal of the weekend.

In the third, Daniel Maggio’s first of the year was the eventual game winner and despite a late Frankie Simonelli tally, an empty-netter sealed a 4-2 victory for the home side.

Friday: 7-4 @ Orlando

Domenic Alberga scored not once but twice on the power play in the opening 20 minutes, normally a good sign for success. However, the Solar Bears tacked on three of their own, displaying their high-powered offense.

Just like Thursday, Orlando scored a pair of goals quickly, 12 seconds to be exact, propelling them to a 5-2 lead.

Brodie Dupont chimed in with a pair of goals but the home side was able to match that with two of their own to conclude yet another decisive win for them.

While Philippe Desrosiers was healthy enough to back up, Anderson was in net once again, suffering the loss. Nick MacNeil came out of the lineup as a precaution, setting the team back once again.

Sunday: 3-2 SO W @ Orlando

Still no Benik, Kurtz, Lofquist or MacNeil and add Dmitrii Sergeev to the mix with a lower body injury, that gave the group a season low 13 skaters for Sunday. No extra forward and down an entire defensive pair.

And guess what, that group won.

T.J. Foster, a former Orlando Solar Bear did a number on his former team, scoring in the early going for his first.

Philippe Desrosiers was able to make his first start of the trip but par to the course of the Solar Bears offense, two goals in 2:28 once again placed them on top.

Trailing in the final two minutes and on the man advantage thanks to a penalty from Daniel Maggio on Orlando, Robbie Ftorek elected to pull the French-Canadian netminder for the extra attacker and it paid dividends.   Foster jammed home another with just 1:13 on the clock to give his team a share of the game at 2-2.

Overtime wasn’t able to provide a winner and in the shootout, Foster and Frankie Simonelli were able to crack Kasimir Kaskisuo for the victory in the fifth round.

Both goaltenders had marvelous numbers at the end of the day, each turning aside 40 of 42.

LOOKING AHEAD:

Wednesday vs. Florida – 7:15 EST

Friday vs. Greenville – 7:30 EST

Saturday vs. Greenville – 7:15 EST

The Admirals are now home for five in a row, starting tomorrow night against the South Division Power House.

Florida, the best team in the Eastern Conference at 34-10-2-3, is here for their only night at Scope this season. It’s another Spaghetti Wednesday at Scope, offering the first 200 to purchase a full-price ticket at the door a meal from 6-8 in Meeting Room Four. Additionally, it’s our first Service Industry Night, offering $11 tickets at the door to those who show some sort of proof of employment. Family Four Packs are also available, offering four tickets, four hot dogs, four popcorns and four sodas for $54.

The Everblades are 7-1-1-1 and are gearing for a deep playoff run, a team for certain worth coming out to watch.

As for the weekend, Greenville comes back to Scope after paying a visit earlier this month. In January the Admirals shut them out back-to-back nights in Greenville but circumstances were drastically different two weeks ago, as the Swamp Rabbits hammered Norfolk 6-2.

Friday is American Cancer Society and College Alumni Night.

Saturday afternoon the USS Abraham Lincoln takes on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Blue in Gold Game. You only need a ticket for the Admirals game at night to come support our military men and women for their 3 P.M. puck drop.

Following Saturday night there will be a post-game skate. The absolute best way to come meet your favorite players and sign autographs, all fans who sign a waiver are welcome down onto the ice after the game to do so.

Furthermore, we’ve got some exciting news down in the “Something You Didn’t Know” section regarding post-post game skate and how you can meet the team.

ADMIRALS LEADERS (SKATERS):Games Played: Gabriel Verpaelst (51)Goals: Brodie Dupont (16)Assists: Brodie Dupont (24)Points: Brodie Dupont (40)Power Play Goals: Domenic Alberga (5)Shorthanded Goals: Nick MacNeil (2)+/-: Joey Benik (+4)Penalty Minutes: Gabriel Verpaelst (123)

ADMIRALS LEADERS (GOALIES):Games Played: Brandon Anderson (19)Wins: Brandon Anderson (11)Losses (Most): Eetu Laurikainen (10)Minutes: Brandon Anderson (1077)Goals Against Average: Philippe Desrosiers (3.50)Save Percentage: Philippe Desrosiers (.901)Shutouts: Brandon Anderson (3)

SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T KNOW:

As many of you DO know, our front office has tried a few different things over the course of the year to ensure a better connection between our players and our family of fans.  We're proud to announce our latest venture that will allow this to happen titled "Showcase Open Late".

Showcase Restaurant, the eatery attached to Scope behind the Admirals locker room, will now be open until 11:30 P.M. on SELECT DATES and Admirals players will be coming in following their post-game routines.

The Select Dates are As Follows:

THIS SATURDAY, February 25

Saturday, March 18

and

Saturday, April 8

After the final whistle, fans are encouraged to make their way over for some light snacks, beverages and the time to mingle with our players.  Take some photos, share some smiles.  Just like the good old days.

Come join us, let us know your thoughts and help us make this the best experience for you.