READING, PA – A sturdy defensive effort led by goaltender Philippe Desrosiers paved the way to a 2-1 win for the Norfolk Admirals (17-26-4-0) over the Reading Royals (28-16-1-2) on Saturday.
After a scoreless first period the connection of Joey Benik, Brodie Dupont and Zach Pochiro produced the opening goal of the contest in the second for Norfolk. From the right of Reading goaltender Mark Dekanich, Pochiro sent a pass towards center, where Dupont was sitting to redirect home for his 14th of the year.
Norfolk extended their lead to 2-0 early in the third, with large thanks to the captain once again. Dupont earned the primary assist, setting up defenseman Gabriel Verpaelst in the slot for a backhand tally. The Sherbrooke, Quebec native beat Dekanich upstairs for his fifth of year and his first since his overtime winner against Manchester on January 25.
Reading would finally get on the board in the third period though, cashing in during a Frankie Simonelli minor. With Friday’s hero in the box, Olivier Labelle cut in through the slot and beat Desorisers clean with a wrister. For Desrosiers, it was his second start in as many nights after picking up the win in Norfolk Scope Arena on Friday against South Carolina.
Despite three Norfolk penalties in the final ten minutes, Labelle’s mark would be the only one to get past Desrosiers, legally, and the Admirals would hang on to pick up the 2-1 victory. When all was said and done, the Dallas Stars prospect stopped 29 of 30, improving his record with the team to 2-1.
The Admirals will stick around in Reading for another contest against the Royals on Sunday, set for a 7:00 P.M. start. Following the contest the team will return home before hitting the road for Orlando early next week.
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