Admirals top Maine Mariners, move two points closer to North division top spot

The Admirals picked up two points on division-leading Adirondack Thunder with a 5-3 defeat of the Maine Mariners Friday night. The win was huge for Norfolk, who pulled to seven points of the division lead with the Thunder’s 6-1 loss to the Reading Royals

Donning their Chesapeake Admirals sweaters for the latest installment of the city series looked a bit shaky to start when Mariners Chase Zieky netted the game’s first goal, followed by Darick Louis-Jean tying the game at one. Despite a short-handed goal by Mariners Zach Malatesta put Maine back on top 2-1. The Admirals took advantage of its first power play, with Sean Montgomery leveling the score at 2-2 as the time ran down on the power play.

In the second period, the Admirals seized control, with Kamerin Nault extending the lead to 3-2. After giving up two early goals, Admirals goalie Yaniv Perets showcased sensational goaltending, including a crucial save late in the period. Perets managed 17 saves on 20 shots.

Norfolk dominated the middle frame, outshooting Maine 16-7 and extending their lead to 4-2 with Nault’s second goal. Although the Mariners narrowed the gap in the final period, Louis-Jean’s empty net goal secured the Admirals’ victory, bringing the crowd at the Scope to their feet.

The win improved Norfolk’s record to 31-19-3-1 on the year, pulling closer to division-leading Adirondack Thunder, with 66 points.

The two teams with hook up again on Saturday at the Scope, with the puck set to drop at 6:05 p.m.

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