NORFOLK, VA. - Rookie Michael Ponatrelli's first career three point night wasn't quite enough for the Norfolk Admirals (26-39-6-0), as they fell to the Reading Royals (40-26-4-3) on Friday, 4-3 in overtime.
The evening's scoring began with a familiar foe for the Admirals as Mike Pereira notched his third goal in just two nights to give Reading an early advantage.
Norfolk had a counter before the period came to a conclusion though, as Scott Jacklin evened the contest at 1-1. Claimed off of waivers less than a month ago from the Brampton Beast, Jacklin has escalated his performances to nearly a point-per-game during his time with his new club.
Jacklin's 12th of the year concluded the scoring in the opening 20 minutes but when the second period began Ben Murphy put the home team ahead for the final time on the night. Left wide open on the glove side of Mark Dekanich, the rookie out of Bowling Green polished his golden opportunity to make it 2-1.
However, Reading wrapped up the second period with two of their own, coming from Justin Crandall and Ryan Penny. The first, Crandall's 22nd of the season came on a dazzling move, cutting to the net from the blocker side and burying one over the glove over Brett Kilar.
Next, the second-year pro in Penny unleashed a wicked wrist shot to put his team ahead. Working into the zone on the left of Kilar and was able to beat him clean, coming from Adam Brace.
There was just one tally in the third period, as Michael Pontarelli, who had an assist on both Admiral goals leading up to that point, was finally able to crack Dekanich with one of his own. Dekanich, who was very strong to start the third period, made several highlight reel saves before the 10:21 mark, when the rookie form Union College cleaned up the scraps for his second of the week.
Both goaltenders were able to hang on for their team, pushing the match to overtime. However, it took just 1:48 for Steven Swavely to pick up the win for Reading. Entering the zone with space, the rookie out of Maine wound up and clapped one low to the blocker side of Kilar, thrusting his side to victory.
Dekanich took the win in net Reading, stopping 46 of 49. Kilar suffers the loss, moving his pro career to 2-0-2, with four getting beyond him on 38 shots.
The two sides go at it again tomorrow night at Scope, concluding the regular season. Tickets are on sale now on on Ticketmaster.com and at the Scope box office.
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