Smolenak's goal lifts Admirals to overtime win

Posted to: Admirals Sports

The Virginian-Pilot
© April 9, 2009

Staff report

Radek Smolenak scored the game-winning goal with just more than a minute left in overtime as shorthanded Norfolk stunned East Division power Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 4-3 Wednesday night at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza.

The Penguins began play with 99 points, the fifth-most in the AHL, while the Admirals (71 points) are playing out the string and because of injuries and call-ups used several players signed to tryout contracts.

Still, Norfolk used goals by Brandon Segal and Pete Zingoni to grab a 2-0 lead after one period, and a tally from Juraj Simek to lead 3-1 after 40 minutes.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton pulled even with a pair of third-period power-play goals, and it stayed that way until the 3:52 mark of overtime when a forechecking Justin Keller made a steal and fed Smolenak for his 23rd goal of the season.

The Admirals will conclude their season with games Friday at Binghamton and Saturday at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

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