Alex Grant became the second defenseman already this season to record a hat trick in the AHL, propelling the Norfolk Admirals to a 5-0 victory over the Binghamton Senators in the Admirals’ home opener on Friday night.
Grant scored three of the Admirals’ four power-play goals during a five-goal opening frame, and also notched an assist. He joins Duncan Keith (Feb. 18, 2005) as the only blueliners in Admirals history to score three goals in a game. Toronto defenseman T.J. Brennan had a hat trick on Oct. 5.
Frederik Andersen made 33 saves for Norfolk, which took full advantage of Binghamton penalties and scored four times with the man advantage in a span of 4:58, including three 5-on-3 goals. Charlie Sarault assisted on all three of Grant’s goals, and Peter Holland also scored in the outburst.
Devante Smith-Pelly opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal 5:44 into the game.
Andrew Hammond, making his first career AHL start, allowed the five first-period goals on 14 shots. Nathan Lawson played the final two periods and stopped all 10 shots he faced.
The teams meet again Saturday evening.
Friday’s Results
Adirondack 4 at Hartford 5 (SO)
Manchester 3 at Providence 2 (SO)
Utica 1 at Rochester 4
St. John’s 2 at Hamilton 3
Rockford 5 at Lake Erie 2
Binghamton 0 at Norfolk 5
Milwaukee 2 at Abbotsford 3 (OT)
