Norfolk prevails over Monarchs in shootout

Two shorthanded goals and a near-perfect shootout allowed Norfolk to post a 5-4 win over Manchester in AHL action at Scope on Wednesday afternoon.

The victory over the league-leading Monarchs ended the Admirals’ losing streak at four games.

Norfolk held the potent Manchester offense to just 15 shots in 65 minutes of play, but the Monarchs still managed four goals off Michael Leighton, including two in the third period by Tom Kostopoulos to take a 4-3 lead.

But defenseman Anton Babchuk replied on a power play with just 1:55 left in regulation to force overtime.

Quintin Laing and Shawn Thornton scored shorthanded goals as the Admirals took a 3-1 lead into the late stages of the second period. The Monarchs lead the AHL in power play efficiency, but have also allowed a league-high 10 shorthanded goals.

Pavel Vorobiev, Matt Ellison and Ajay Baines converted as Norfolk went 3-for-3 in the shootout. After allowing a goal to Noah Clarke, Leighton denied Tom Kostopoulos, Mike Cammalleri and Dustin Brown — three of the top nine scorers in the AHL — in order to seal the win.

Since reeling off 13 straight wins, the Monarchs are now 1-2-1-1 in their last five outings.

Elsewhere on Wednesday:
Chris Campoli and Rob Collins recorded a goal and an assist apiece as Bridgeport defeated Hershey, 4-1… Kevin Dallman scored twice to help Providence past Hartford, 3-2… The Michel OuelletMatt MurleyKris Beech line dominated again for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, combining for four goals, six assists and a plus-12 rating in a 7-1 win over Albany… Patrick Sharp had four assists as Philadelphia defeated Springfield, 4-3, in Tampa… Cincinnati rallied from 4-1 down to defeat Chicago, 5-4, on an overtime goal by Joel PerraultEric Beaudoin had two goals and an assist for San Antonio in a 3-2 win over Milwaukee… Joey MacDonald made 30 saves as Grand Rapids beat Utah, 4-2.