KALAMAZOO, MI - The Kalamazoo Wings (36-27-1-3) picked up the weekend and season sweep over the Norfolk Admirals (24-37-4-0) on Saturday, earning a 5-3 win for the second straight night.
Norfolk jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the first 20 minutes, with goals coming from Frankie Simonelli and Kyle Dutra.
Simonelli's 15th of the year came on a blistering slap shot after entering the zone alone at the 14:07 mark. Two minutes later Kalamazoo had an answer on the power play though, as Peter Schneider was able to redirect a backdoor feed past Philippe Desrosiers on a five-on-three.
Kyle Dutra's second pro goal came with under a minute to go in the opening period, banging home a rebound after two consecutive tries from Ben Murphy in tight were unable to find their way in.
That would be the only period of the night that Norfolk would win, as Wings goaltender Joel Martin was able to turn the tide of the contest with several crucial saves in the opening moments of the second period to keep the deficit for his team just one.
Kalamazoo's two second period goals both came from Justin Taylor, his 30th and 31st of the season. Josh Pitt, who had a hat trick on Friday, set up the first with a gorgeous pass from behind the cage and just a few minutes after that Kalamazoo's second power play tally of the night also came off the tape of their #93.
That put the home team up 3-2, a lead they would hold on to for over 15 minutes of the third period. It was at that mark Tanner Sorenson extended that lead to a pair, rifling home yet another feed from Pitt behind the goal line. Norfolk's defense allowed Kalamazoo filter passes to the slot area all evening long, thus making them pay once again.
Trevor Gerling was able to bring Norfolk back within a tally with 69 seconds remaining, however a Pitt empty-netter nullified any chance at an equalizer, giving the Wings a 5-3 victory.
Joel Martin earned his 18th win of the season in net for Kalamazoo, stopping 26 of 29. Philippe Desrosiers suffers his third straight loss, allowing four on 35 shots.
The Admirals will conclude their "Circus Road Trip" tomorrow in Toledo when the puck drops against the Toledo Walleye at 5:15 PM. Fans can listen to the game live on 102.1 FM The Tide or watch live on ECHL.TV.
Following the contest the team will return home to Norfolk Scope Arena to take on the Atlanta Gladiators for their final in-division game of the season on Wednesday, March 29. Tickets are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com and at the Scope box office.
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