January 30, 2010

GLENS FALLS, NY – Justin Keller’s unassisted shorthanded goal late in the second period was the game-winner and Dustin Tokarski made 36 saves as the Norfolk Admirals slipped past the Adirondack Phantoms Saturday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

The Admirals almost got on the board on the first shot of the game just 18 seconds after the opening face off as Mark Parrish got open in between the face off circles, however Adirondack goaltender John Graham made a miraculous shoulder save to keep Norfolk out of the net. The Phantoms settled down and later took the lead as David Laliberte scored a power play goal from close range, assisted by Patrick Maroon and Marc-Andre Bourdon at 15:25; it marked the third straight game that Laliberte has found the net. But the Admirals responded in the final minute of the period to tie the game at 1-1 when Mark Parrish’s centering pass redirected off the skate of Matt Fornataro and into the net at 19:31. Adirondack out-shot Norfolk 18-11 in the first period, but went into the first intermission tied at 1-1.

There were less fireworks in the second period as the two teams combined for just 11 shots on goal. Late in the period on a Phantoms power play Justin Keller stole the puck skated up the ice and beat goalie John Grahame for an unassisted, shorthanded goal at 16:48, which gave Norfolk a 2-1 lead.

The Phantoms poured on the pressure in the third period, out-shooting the Admirals 12-4, but goalie Dustin Tokarski did everything he could to hold the lead. A late penalty to Norfolk forward Ryan Cruthers gave the Phantoms a power play with just over two minutes left and the home side pulled Grahame for a 6-on-4 advantage. Again Tokarski came up big as he withstood Adirondack’s last charge and led the Admirals to a 2-1 road victory.

Dustin Tokarski finished with 36 saves on 37 shots for his 15th win of the season as Norfolk improved to 22-23-3-0 on the year. John Grahame made 17 saves on 19 shots, but was tagged with the loss as Adirondack fell to 22-21-2-1. The Phantoms out-shot the Admirals 37-19 and went 1-for-5 on the power play; Norfolk was 0-for-5 on the man-advantage.

Sunday, January 31st Adirondack completes their weekend with a trip to Rochester for a 5:00 pm game against the Americans at Blue Cross Arena. The Phantoms next home game is on Friday, February 5th as they host the Manchester Monarchs for a 7:00 pm face off at the Civic Center.

The Time Warner Cable Cup Four-Pack is now on sale at the Phantoms office, starting as low as $56. 2009-10 Phantoms full and partial season ticket packages are still available for the 2009-10 season presented by Bud Light. For more information please contact the Adirondack Phantoms at (518) 480-3355 or online at www.phantomshockey.com.

FINAL BOX SCORE

Norfolk Admirals 2 At Adirondack Phantoms 1 - Status: Final
Jan 30, 2010 - Glens Falls Civic Center

Norfolk 1 1 0 - 2
Adirondack 1 0 0 - 1

1st Period-1, Adirondack, Laliberte 10 (Bourdon, Maroon), 15:25 (pp). 2, Norfolk, Fornataro 4 (Parrish, Fadden), 19:31. Penalties-Wishart Nor (hooking), 4:32; Maroon Adk (goaltender interference), 6:59; Parrish Nor (hooking), 7:17; Jones Nor (delay of game), 14:28.

2nd Period-3, Norfolk, Keller 7 16:48 (sh). Penalties-Stephenson Adk (interference), 4:03; Bellamy Adk (charging), 13:04; Jones Nor (tripping), 15:35.

3rd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Stephenson Adk (delay of game), 5:00; Mormina Adk (elbowing), 13:33; Cruthers Nor (tripping), 17:38.

Shots on Goal-Norfolk 11-4-4-19. Adirondack 18-7-12-37.
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Power Play Opportunities-Norfolk 0 of 5; Adirondack 1 of 5.

Goalies-Norfolk, Tokarski 15-13-0 (37 shots-36 saves). Adirondack, Grahame 2-7-0 (19 shots-17 saves).

A-3,883

Referees-Terry Koharski (10).
Linesmen-Rich Patry (52), Mike Emanatian (69).