ECHL North Division Semifinals – Game 3 Recap: Norfolk Admirals vs Wheeling Nailers

The Norfolk Admirals and Wheeling Nailers continued their best-of-seven series on Wednesday Night as the series shifted to WesBanco Arena. Thomas Milic would get the start for the Admirals as he looked to keep his shutout streak going. The Nailers would get some reinforcements as Chase and Logan Pietila re-joined the team after being called up to the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. Both teams would get a PP opportunity, but could not convert on it. The two teams would combine for 14 total shots in the opening 20 minutes. The Admirals had the best chance of the period on a two-on-one, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Norfolk Admirals Big Second Period

The Admirals would get on the board first for the third straight game as Hank Crone fed Denis Smirnov for a one-timer at the 8:49 mark. Norfolk doubled their lead less than three minutes later as Ryan Chyzowski fed Sean Montgomery in front to make 2-0. For Chyzowski, that would be his second assist of the night. Wheeling needed something to get them going in the series, and they would finally get a bounce to go their way as Matt Koopman got a short-handed breakaway and beat Milic to get the Nailers on the board. That would be the first goal Milic has given up in the ECHL since March 29th vs Savannah Ghost Pirates. Norfolk wasn’t done as Chyzowski finished his three-point night with a goal as the Admirals took a 3-1 lead into the third.

In the third, it would be a beautiful play by Grant Hebert as he set up Coltin Young for his first goal of the Kelly Cup playoffs seven minutes into the final frame. The Nailers would attempt to claw their way back into the game, putting up 16 shots in the third, but wouldn’t be able to beat Milic again. Bryce Brodzinski added an empty-netter to finish off the 5-1 win for Norfolk. Thomas Milic would finish the night with 35 saves on 37 shots. The Nailers will try to avoid elimination on Friday Night in Game 4, beginning at 7:10 EST.

ITR 44: We Have A Champion…Again – Inside The Rink

Join Chris and Conrad as they break down the Florida Panthers winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, Trevor Zegras traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, the AHL Calder Cup winning Abbotsford Canucks, and the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft!

1. ITR 44: We Have A Champion…Again 56:17
2. ITR 43: It's Winning Time 39:10
3. ITR 42: Ripe For Repeat? 29:05
4. ITR 41: Stanley Cup Final – The Rematch 46:47
5. ITR 40: Headed For A Repeat? 32:22