CHECKERS DROPPED, 7-3, BY ADMIRALS 

VERSUS

Charlotte’s win streak snapped at four games

The Charlotte Checkers saw their four-game winning streak snapped as they were downed, 7-3, by the visiting Norfolk Admirals on Monday evening.

Norfolk forwards Chris Durno and Johan Harju led the way with two goals apiece, while goaltender Cedric Desjardins made 24 saves for the win. Zac Dalpe, Jacob Micflikier and Jerome Samson had goals for Charlotte.

Chris Durno got Norfolk on the board first, 1:05 into the game. Durno deflected a point shot from Kevin Quick and put it through the pads of Checkers goaltender Justin Pogge.

Charlotte answered back, minutes later, when Dalpe converted on a 5-on-3 opportunity. Drayson Bowman found Dalpe on the point and the rookie blasted a slap shot past Desjardins.

The Checkers took a 2-1 lead when they cashed in on the second half of the power play. Zach Boychuk took a low slap shot from the point and Micflikier tipped it past Desjardins.

Norfolk drew even at 2-2 when Durno scored his second goal of the period. The big winger shot through a screen and past Pogge, who couldn’t get an eye on the puck.

Samson then gave Charlotte a 3-2 lead late in the first period when he buried a loose puck that trickled out of a scrum in front of the Norfolk net.

The lead wouldn’t last long, however, as Harju tied the game for Norfolk with three minutes left in the first. Pogge deflected a shot off his blocker which landed on the stick of Harju and he slipped it home.

The Checkers killed a five-minute major penalty, early in the second period, and looked like they might take control before Mike Vernace gave Norfolk a 4-3 lead with a point shot midway through the second period. Mike Murphy relieved Pogge following the goal.

Harju netted his second of the night for a two-goal Norfolk lead when he collected a loose puck in front and flipped it over the sprawling Murphy.

Norfolk would add two goals in the third period and walk away with a 7-3 victory.

Charlotte (10-8-3) will embark on a three-game road trip starting Wednesday in Norfolk before returning home on Sunday, Dec. 5 and Monday, Dec. 6 to host the Syracuse Stars. Holiday packs are now on sale and include four games, a merchandise certificate and a puck for as low as $35. Call 704-342-4423 or head to www.gocheckers.com for more information.

NOTES:

The Checkers are 7-2-2 in their last 11 games…Zac Dalpe has seven goals in his last eight games while Jacob Micflikier has nine points (5g, 4a) in his last six games… Jerome Samson is currently tied for second in the AHL in goals (12).

Norfolk Admirals 7 at Charlotte Checkers 3 – Status: Final
Monday, November 22, 2010 – Time Warner Cable Arena

Norfolk 3 2 2 – 7
Charlotte 3 0 0 – 3

1st Period-1, Norfolk, Durno 6 (Quick, Milam), 1:05. 2, Charlotte, Dalpe 7 (Bowman, Rodney), 3:30 (PP). 3, Charlotte, Micflikier 9 (Boychuk, Carson), 4:37 (PP). 4, Norfolk, Durno 7 (Giliati), 8:31. 5, Charlotte, Samson 12 (Nash, Boychuk), 14:07. 6, Norfolk, Harju 8 (Berry, Fritz), 16:48. Penalties-Labrie Nor (hooking), 2:29; Durno Nor (tripping), 3:11; Bowman Cha (holding), 17:27.

2nd Period-7, Norfolk, Vernace 3 (Durno), 11:09. 8, Norfolk, Harju 9 (Angelidis), 16:40. Penalties-Sutter Cha (major – boarding, game misconduct – boarding), 2:38; Barberio Nor (holding), 13:41; Vernace Nor (holding), 19:03.

3rd Period-9, Norfolk, Wright 5   1:00 (SH). 10, Norfolk, Giliati 2 (Vernace), 5:16. Penalties-Berry Nor (roughing), 11:27; Angelidis Nor (roughing, roughing), 13:59; Blanchard Cha (roughing, roughing), 13:59; Nash Cha (tripping), 15:56; Labrie Nor (roughing), 20:00; Osala Cha (roughing), 20:00.

Shots on Goal-Norfolk 18-7-15-40. Charlotte 12-4-11-27.
Power Play Opportunities-Norfolk 0 / 3; Charlotte 2 / 5.
Goalies-Norfolk, Desjardins 6-4-1 (27 shots-24 saves). Charlotte, Pogge 5-5-0 (23 shots-19 saves); Murphy 5-4-2 (17 shots-14 saves).
A-3,839