Bligh's Late Goal Pushes Atlanta Past Norfolk

Written by Kristopher Clark

DULUTH, GA- Nick Bligh scored with less than 10 minutes to go in the third period, as the Atlanta Gladiators edged the Norfolk Admirals 2-1 Sunday afternoon at Infinite Energy Arena. Domenic Alberga had the lone tally for Norfolk. Despite the loss, Norfolk sits six points back of the fourth and final playoff spot in the south division. The first period was scoreless. Both teams exchanged chances while Norfolk outshot Atlanta 12-10.Atlanta jumped out front first with a goal from Nolan LaPorte. Jacob Fergele gathered the puck at the Atlanta blue-line and sprung LaPorte in on a breakaway. LaPorte shot the puck over the glove of Reichenbach and off the post into the net to give Atlanta a 1-0 lead.Norfolk tied the game with a goal from Captain Domenic Alberga. The Admirals won the face-off in the Atlanta end and played the puck to the left point for T.J. Melancon. Melancon fired a shot towards the net which was tipped perfectly by Connor Hurley right to the stick of Alberga who was able to slide it beyond the pad of Sean Bonar to tie the game at one goal apiece.The game would remain tied before Atlanta took the lead in the third period. Derek Nesbitt gathered the puck in his own zone. Nesbitt played a pass off the boards at the bench which sprung Atlanta into the Norfolk zone on an odd-man rush. Nick Bligh gathered the puck at the blue-line and skated into the right circle. Bligh shot the puck which went right under the pad of Reichenbach to give Atlanta a 2-1 lead.Norfolk would pull their goalie in favor of the extra attacker and were unable to score. The game finished 2-1 for Atlanta. Ty Reichenbach made 28 saves on 39 shots and takes the loss for Norfolk, while Sean Bonar made 29 saves on 30 shots and gets the win for Atlanta.

The Admirals return home for a three-game stand against the Jacksonville Icemen starting Wednesday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. at Scope Arena. 

Game Sheet/ Box Score

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Wednesday, March 20, vs. Jacksonville, 7:00 p.m.  Friday, March 22, vs.  Jacksonville, 7:00 p.m.  Saturday, March 23 vs.  Jacksonville, 7:00 p.m.  St. Hatrick's, Mental Health Awareness Night, Postgame Skate 

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The Admirals are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Arizona Coyotes###