Norfolk breezes past Checkers, 7-3

NORFOLK 7, CHARLOTTE 3
Chris Durno (2-1-3) and Johan Harju each scored twice, and Norfolk matched a season high with seven goals overall en route to a 7-3 road win over Charlotte on Monday at Time Warner Cable Arena, extending the Admirals’ winning streak to three games.

Norfolk is in the midst of its hottest run since beginning the season with four straight victories, which included a 7-4 opening night win at Binghamton on Oct. 9 and a 7-2 triumph over Worcester on Oct. 16.

Durno paced the Admirals’ offense with his three-point effort. Stefano Giliati and defenseman Mike Vernace each chipped in a goal and an assist, and James Wright also found the back of the net.

Norfolk goaltender Cedrick Desjardins earned the win with 24 saves on 27 shots, as the Admirals came away with their second victory in as many trips to Charlotte this season.

Checkers forwards Zac Dalpe and Jacob Micflikier each netted power play goals in the loss, and Jerome Samson scored at even strength. Zach Boychuk contributed two assists for the Checkers, whose season-high four-game winning streak came to an end.

Charlotte finished a seven-game homestand at 5-2-0-0 and will travel to Norfolk for a rematch with the Admirals on Wednesday.