By Zachary Grenier
Hartford, CT, November 28, 2014 – The Hartford Wolf Pack were shut down by Yann Davis and the Norfolk Admirals Friday night at the XL Center and lost, 2-0.
Leading the way for Norfolk were Louis Leblanc and Max Friberg, who had a goal and an assist each. William Karlsson also had an assist. Yann Davis stopped all of the 35 Hartford shots for the Admirals.
Ryan Haggerty led Hartford with seven shots on net, but was unable to put away any of his quality chances. Mackenzie Skapski had 25 saves in the game, including stopping an Emerson Etem penalty shot.
“We generated some shots, more than most nights,” said Hartford coach Ken Gernander. “I don’t know how many of those translate to Grade A chances, but I think we sustained a lot of pressure when we weren’t shorthanded.”
Norfolk drew first blood when their power-play unit took to the ice for the first time. A Leblanc shot from the left-wing boards went off of Hartford defensemen Michael Kostka’s skate, and the trickling puck got by Skapski (25 saves) at 7:11 of the first period, for Leblanc’s seventh goal of the season.
Friberg was able to give Norfolk a 2-0 lead when he scored from the left side of the goalmouth at 9:52 of the second. The puck trickled its way to Friberg, after William Karlsson fanned on it in the slot.
“I think we did a lot of good things right but a few unlucky bounces there nipped us,” said Haggerty.
Skapski took his fourth loss of the season.
“I have no complaints with his (Skapski’s) effort,” said Gernander. “He’s been a big part of the two wins we had prior to tonight and he gave us an opportunity tonight.”
Skapski will get the day off Saturday night, according to Gernander, as Cedrick Desjardins will get the start when the Wolf Pack travel to Bridgeport to take on the Sound Tigers.
Saturday’s game faces off at 7:00 PM, and all of the action can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1410, and on-line at www.foxsportsradio1410.com and iHeartRadio. Video streaming is available at www.ahllive.com.
The Wolf Pack’s next home game is Saturday, December 6, with the Springfield Falcons visiting the XL Center for a 7:00 game. The first 5,000 fans into that game receive a free Wolf Pack car magnet.
Tickets for all 2014-15 Wolf Pack home games are now on sale at the XL Center ticket office, on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499. Wolf Pack tickets start as low as $12 for youth 12 years old or younger.
To speak with a Wolf Pack representative about season or group tickets, or any of the Wolf Pack’s many ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451, or click here to request more info.
Norfolk Admirals 2 at Hartford Wolf Pack 0
Friday, November 28, 2014 – XL Center
Norfolk 1 1 0 – 2
Hartford 0 0 0 – 0
1st Period-1, Norfolk, Leblanc 7 (Friberg), 7:11 (PP). Penalties-Steckel Nor (hooking), 2:23; Nightingale Nor (high-sticking), 4:26; Allen Hfd (holding), 6:30; Wagner Nor (roughing), 13:46; Crabb Hfd (roughing), 13:46.
2nd Period-2, Norfolk, Friberg 1 (Karlsson, Leblanc), 9:52 (PP). Penalties-Malone Hfd (double minor – high-sticking), 6:43; Lindberg Hfd (boarding), 10:15; Jackson Hfd (interference), 13:57; Yip Nor (tripping), 17:13.
3rd Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Gagne Nor (holding), 7:24; Wagner Nor (roughing), 10:15; Bodie Hfd (roughing), 10:15; McIlrath Hfd (delay of game), 14:28.
Shots on Goal-Norfolk 5-14-8-27. Hartford 13-9-13-35.
Power Play Opportunities-Norfolk 2 / 6; Hartford 0 / 4.
Goalies-Norfolk, Danis 3-3-0 (35 shots-35 saves). Hartford, Skapski 5-4-0 (27 shots-25 saves).
A-3,769
Referees-Ben Moser (3), Jonathan Alarie (38).
Linesmen-Mike Baker (11), Brent Colby (7).
