Admirals 4, Lowell 1

It seemed like a mismatch - a shorthanded Admirals team playing its sixth game in eight days against a hungry Lowell club scrambling for a playoff spot. Except that, as has been the case with many things regarding this year's Admirals, the game didn't follow the script.

The recap

Red-hot Blair Jones pumped in two goals and Riku Helenius made 31 saves for the Admirals, who prevailed despite the absence of several top players. Among the missing – leading scorer Brandon Bochenski (flu), all-star forward Brandon Segal (Tampa Bay recall), forward Paul Szczechura (recall) and forward Steve Downie (suspension).

“It was like David against Goliath because that’s an awesome hockey team over there,” Admirals coach Darren Rumble said. “To come away with two points is a great credit to our players.”

Suddenly scoring

It was Jones’ second straight two-goal game – he also scored two in Wednesday’s 4-3 loss in Philadelphia. Jones said he’s invigorated by the congested schedule.

“I think it’s actually easier to play every night,” said Jones, whose 15 goals rank fourth on the team. “You get into a groove, and instead of thinking about what you’re going to do, you just play.”

The overlooked hero

Calling the win a total team effort, Rumble was reluctant to single out any of his players. But captain Zenon Konopka didn’t hesitate.

“You need to talk to that guy right there,” Konopka said as he pointed out defenseman Mike Lundin. “He’s been our best player for about the last 12 games, but he never gets any credit. And do you know why? Because he’s doing all the dirty work.”

Lundin did grab a bit of the spotlight Friday, though, when he buzzed a slapshot past screened Lowell goalie Jeff Frazee for his fourth goal of the season.

Hectic schedule

It was a strange week for Segal. The forward got his first NHL recall and played for Tampa Bay on Tuesday, was sent back to Norfolk on Wednesday and then was quickly recalled by the Lightning on Thursday after Szczechura suffered a wrist injury. Segal logged

12:50 of ice time in Tampa Bay’s 4-3 overtime loss in St. Louis.

The Lightning opted to play ex-Admiral Karri Ramo in goal despite the fact that their other goalie, former Admiral Mike McKenna, is from St. Louis.

The lone negative

A succession of ill-timed, unnecessary penalties forced the Admirals to play four against five much of the night. They bailed themselves out by killing off all eight Lowell power plays, but Rumble wasn’t happy the Devils had that many chances.

“The PK was great, but there was no reason to put it under that much pressure,” the coach said. “And if we’re going to keep taking stupid offensive-zone penalties, I’m going to start pulling guys’ ice time.”

 Keller loves Scope

Justin Keller was Norfolk’s other goal scorer. It was his 13th of the season – and all 13 have come on home ice.