NORFOLK, Va. – The Idaho Steelheads (16-9-5) earned the deciding blow with 17 seconds remaining, taking down the Norfolk Admirals (9-17-3) in a 3-2 win on Friday night from Norfolk Scope.
Most of the offense came in a short stint in the first period beginning at 7:55 on a shot from the right circle by Philippe Hudon to open with a 1-0 lead. Steelheads forward A.J. White forced a turnover at 10:38 that led to a 3-on-0 in the offensive end finished by forward Max Coatta in the slot, answering to tie the game at 1-1. However, the Admirals rebounded at 11:02 on a 3-on-2 completed by forward Zack Phillips to re-take the lead, 2-1, heading into the middle frame.
In the second period, the only tally came late to draw the game level again. Coatta picked up a pass from forward Mitch Moroz, attempted a wrap-around shot, and pushed in a second attempt under the netminder off the right post, tying the game, 2-2, at 17:14.
The Steelheads turned up the heat in the third period like they did on Wednesday night, and after enough persistence a face-off turned the game on its head. At 19:43, a play up by the Admirals went right to Steelheads defenseman Keegan Kanzig, who blasted a slap shot through traffic for his first goal of the season and the deciding tally in the 3-2 regulation win. The goal is the latest to close a game this season for the Steelheads.
Steelheads netminder Colton Point (5-5-1) stopped 22 of 24 shots in the win, while Admirals goaltender Roman Durny (2-4-0) halted 39 of 42 shots in the loss.
The Steelheads and Admirals close their season series on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m. MT from Norfolk Scope. Coverage begins at 5:10 p.m. on 1350 KTIK “The Ticket” and ECHL.tv.
The Steelheads return to CenturyLink Arena on Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:10 p.m. against the Allen Americans. Call the Steelheads Front Office at 208-383-0080 to plan your seats for this season, including single-game, flex plans and season tickets. Stay connected to the Steelheads on idahosteelheads.com or by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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