Hershey Swept in Weekend Tilt in Norfolk

Norfolk, VA – Dany Sabourin makes a save during Hershey’s loss to the Admirals (Tim Stough – Sweetest Hockey on Earth)

The Hershey Bears and Norfolk Admirals squared up for the final time this regular season. Looking to end on a high note, the Bears dropped a 4-1 decision against the defending Calder Cup Champions at Norfolk Scope.

Dmitry Orlov returned to the lineup for the first time since the AHL Showcase in Washington D.C. on December 6. Right off the opening face off, Orlov sent an outlet pass to Jeff Taffe who quickly sneaked behind the defense for a breakaway. Taffe fired the puck wide of the net, which proved to be the first of many missed opportunities later to come for the Chocolate and White.

Later in Orlov’s first shift of the game, he flipped a clear attempt into the stands for a delay of game infraction. While the Bears were cruising towards their first successful penalty kill of the night, a miscue by Dany Sabourin leaded to an Admirals’ 1-0 lead at the 2:25 mark.

Sabourin moved forward to the high-slot looking to play a loose puck with his goalie stick. He suddenly fanned on a pass attempt leading to a Troy Bodie goal into an empty net.

The blunder by “Sabou” later proved to be the only tally for either side in the opening salvage. However just 34 seconds into the middle frame, Norfolk scored the eventual game-winning-goal off a redirection that alluded Sabourin through his five-hole. Brayden Irwin was credited for his first goal of the campaign on the play.

Jon DiSalvatore with 12:17 left in the period broke the goose egg on the scoreboard for Hershey by driving to the net and tallying on 6-foot-3 Frederik Andersen.

Effort was not a problem for the Bears in the opening 40 minutes as they out chanced and out played Norfolk in every aspect of the game, except in the goal column. The Admirals tallied twice in the third period including an empty net goal to cap a 4-1 victory on Saturday night.

The Hershey Bears look to end their weekend tomorrow evening with a home ice victory against the Binghamton Senators.

More photo’s from tonight’s game:

Ryan Stoa skates towards the puck

Brett Flemming shoots from the blue line