Norfolk Admirals' new additions net new results

There's a simple reason why the revitalized Norfolk Admirals aren't playing like the same ol' team.

They're really not the same ol' team. Thanks to a series of acquisitions over the past several weeks, the Admirals appear to have gradually discovered a successful blend of veterans and prospects.

Among the most notable newcomers:

- Steve Downie - Acquired Nov. 7 from Philadelphia, the 21-year-old former first-round draft pick has been an offensive revelation (5 goals, 14 assists in just 12 games) and culminated his scoring blitz Saturday with the team's first hat trick. Perhaps more importantly, Downie has played with controlled intensity, key for a player with a suspension history and a reputation for prickly play.

- Chris Gratton - A 16-year NHL veteran, Gratton accepted his AHL assignment with class and has emerged a positive locker room force while giving nightly clinics on the art of winning faceoffs.

- Grant Potulny - Picked up in a trade with San Antonio on Nov. 26, Potulny instantly clicked with linemates Zenon Konopka and Brandon Bochenski and gave Norfolk another No. 1-quality line.

- Mike Lundin - His four assists Saturday night were a bonus. Lundin's biggest contribution since arriving from Tampa Bay has been to quietly help fortify Norfolk's once-shaky defense.

"It's a very nice mix," Admirals general manager Mike Butters said. "We've really got a lot of depth now. And it's good to finally see everyone pulling on the same rope."

Message received

On Dec. 10, Admirals coach Darren Rumble ordered the team through post-game suicide skating and called the players out for lack of effort after an embarrassing loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Butters and Rumble downplay the move's impact. But the statistics tell a different story:

Before Since

Admirals record 8-15-1-4 5-1

Avg. goals allowed 4.11 2.17

Avg. goals scored 3.04 4.00

Avg. penalty min. 26.75 12.83

Wounded Admiral

Forward Brandon Segal, who shares the team lead in goals, will be sidelined indefinitely by a sprained wrist. Segal did not accompany the Admirals for this week's three-game

New England road swing, which begins tonight in Portland.

Segal has 12 goals and 27 points in 33 games this season.

Ice chips

Tampa Bay has re assigned forward Chris Lawrence and defenseman Scott Jackson to the Admirals from ECHL Mississippi. Norfolk also has recalled forward Mathieu Curadeau from IHL Fort Wayne.... The second annual Susan G. Komen for the Cure "Pink at the Rink" game to promote breast cancer awareness is set for Jan. 17 against Worcester at Scope.... Sunday is the last day for fans to vote for the starters in next month's 2009 AHL All-Star Classic.... Norfolk's special teams have really been special of late. The Admirals rank second in the AHL on the power play and have killed off 32 of their opponents' past 34 power plays.... Downie's hat trick Saturday was Norfolk's first since Bochenski had back-to-back three-goal games Dec. 30, 2006 and Jan. 3, 2007.... Lundin originally was credited with only three assists Saturday, but a scoring change Monday gave him the additional marker.

Paul White, 757-418-1447 or paul.white@pilotonline.com