Milwaukee blanks Rivermen

PEORIA, ILL – Michael Latta sent a rebound over a stretched out Jake Allen to

stake the Admirals to a 1-0 lead just seven seconds into a power play at 12:50 of the second period. Ryan Thang and Kyle Wilson had rushed Allen off the face off and Allen seemed surprised by the rebound shot.
 
Joel Champagne blasted a shot past Allen at 11:57 of the third period to put the Admirals ahead 2-0. Mark Van Guilder had the assist.
 
The real story was Smith and his defense. Milwaukee stymied Peoria often, blocking shots before they could even get to Smith and when they did, Smith allowed few second chances. Smith was at his best in the second period, putting on a show with his glove, denying several shots in quick succession and not allowing a rebound.
 
Peoria still was able to put up 33 shots on the night, with Smith stopping them all. For his part, Allen took the loss, stopping 19 of 21 shots. The Rivermen were shutdown on five power plays. The Admirals scored once in three chances.
 
The Rivermen will get a chance to bounce back against the Hamilton Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon.
 
NOTES: The Rivermen were without the services of Adam Cracknell, the team captain. Cracknell was serving the second of the two-game suspension for anelbowing incident in Charlotte earlier this week…Also missing was Danny Syvret. Syvret was called up to the St. Louis Blues this morning, but was returned to the Rivermen later in the afternoon…Both players should be in Rivermen sweaters for the Sunday afternoon matinee against the Hamilton Bulldogs.
 
Contact the author: Shaun.Bill@ProHockeyNews.com