Andy Hilbert scored three consecutive goals in the third period as Norfolk turned a 3-2 deficit into a 5-4 win over Binghamton in a Wednesday matinee at Scope.
Hilbert, a three-time AHL All-Star, had just three assists in his first four games with the Admirals before erupting for four points against the Senators.
After the game, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that they have signed Hilbert to a contract. The Blackhawks had acquired Hilbert’s rights on Nov. 6, and he was playing in Norfolk on a tryout contract.
Colin Fraser and Nathan Barrett gave Norfolk a 2-0 lead in the first period, but Binghamton battled back, with Patrick Eaves scoring twice and Brennan Evans once to give the Sens a 3-2 edge.
But Hilbert scored his first three goals of the season in quick succession, restoring the Admirals’ two-goal cushion by starting and completing his hat trick in a span of 6:44.
Martin St. Pierre recorded four assists for Norfolk, which for the time being moves into sole possession of fourth place in the East Division.
Binghamton owned a 39-28 edge in shots on goal, the first time in 13 home games this season that the Admirals have been outshot.
MILWAUKEE 4, PEORIA 2
A hat trick by Kris Beech paced Milwaukee to a 4-2 win over visiting Peoria and moved the Admirals into second place in the West Division.
All six goals in the game were scored via special teams, with Beech’s shorthanded marker with 7:42 left in regulation snapping a 2-2 tie.
Greg Classen also scored for Milwaukee, Libor Pivko had two assists and Brian Finley made 27 saves to improve to 5-0-0 on the season.
HOUSTON 7, CLEVELAND 2
Patrick O’Sullivan scored three times and Kirby Law found the net twice as Houston rolled to a 7-2 win over Cleveland at the Toyota Center.
Josh Olson added a goal and an assist, Erik Westrum had a goal for his league-leading 33rd point of the season, and Roman Voloshenko and Bryan Lundbohm chipped in two assists each.
Josh Prudden scored both goals for the Barons.
HERSHEY 5, BRIDGEPORT 3
Dave Steckel scored twice and Hershey reeled off four unanswered goals to post a 5-3 win over Bridgeport before 9,273 fans at Giant Center.
Mike Green, Boyd Gordon and Graham Mink added a goal and an assist each for the Bears, who are 9-1-2-2 in their last 14 games.
Jeremy Colliton recorded a goal and an assist for the Sound Tigers, who have dropped six in a row.
MANITOBA 4, HAMILTON 3 (SO)
Jozef Balej, Ryan Bayda and Jesse Schultz scored in the shootout as Manitoba extended its winning streak to five games with a 4-3 decision over Hamilton.
Kevin Bieksa recorded three assists for the second night in a row, and Sebastien Centomo made 18 saves for his second win since joining the Moose.
Brad Winchester registered a goal and an assist for the Bulldogs.
