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Final Score: Norfolk Admirals 1, Charlotte Checkers 6
The Admirals lost their third game of the season to the Charlotte Checkers in the eight game series called the Geico Challenge Cup. The Checkers scored three power play goals against veteran goalie Jeff Deslauriers who had one of the worst goaltending performances of the season for the Admirals. A quick note, I usually listen to away games so I go by a lot of what Pete Michaud says. I don't think the words "great save" and "Deslauriers" ever went together tonight. I don't give goalies a whole lot of love if you haven't noticed.
First Period Recap: The first period started off poorly with Chris Wagner tripping a Checker and sending them to the power play just 1:22 into the game. Riley Nash capitalized and scored his eighth goal of the season with Marc-Andre Gragnani and Brett Sutter getting the assists. Charlotte's second goal came courtesy of Tim Wallace as a result of a Patrick Maroon elbowing minor. Just over two minutes later Chris Terry put the Checkers up 3-0. The Checkers out-shot the Admirals 12-8 in the first..
Second Period Recap: The middle frame was better on all fronts as the Admirals only let in one goal, gave up no penalties and scored a goal of their own. 15:38 into the period Luke Pither scored his second goal of the season for the Checkers. Less than a minute later Rod Pelley answered with his first goal of the season to end the Admirals goal-less streak at 96 minutes and 31 seconds. The Admirals out-shot the Checkers 11-9.
Third Period Recap: The Checkers made it 6-1 in the third period with goals from Pther (power play) and Michal Jordan [Ed. Note: Not that one. -CK]. The Admirals out shot the Checkers again 13-10 and through the game 32-31. So at least we got that as a consolation prize.
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The Good: "Nope." -Chuck Testa
The Bad: The penalty kill gave up three goals
The Ugly: Jeff Deslauriers. You'd think a guy with an NHL contract would have done some training during the lockout.
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Next Game: Wednesday, Jan 23 at Norfolk Scope, 7:15 PM ET versus this same Charlotte team.