NORFOLK, Va. – Nick Cousins buried his first career overtime winner to push the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to an exciting 3-2 victory in Norfolk, Va. on Friday night. Cousins’ eighth of the year from the right circle beat Admirals goaltender John Gibson blocker-side to the far post.
The Phantoms rallied from behind for the win. Trailing 1-0 most of the way, Brandon 
Alderson finally put Lehigh Valley on the board with a laser from the right-boards to the far-post with 6:59 remaining in the third period to even the score at 1-1. It was Alderson’s first game back with the Phantoms after spending slightly over a month with Reading in the ECHL. The speedy winger appeared to have regained his confidence with the enhanced playing time there as he was flying up the ice and creating chances. His goal came on his fifth shot of the game.
Jason Akeson’s shorthanded breakaway tally with 1:48 left put the Phantoms in front 2-1 and appeared to be the possible game-winner. Akeson has scored in three straight and now has six goals in his last seven games dating back to December 17. In just a little over a month with Lehigh Valley, Akeson has vaulted into a multi-way tie for the team lead in goals with eight along with Cousins, Andrew Gordon and Taylor Leier.
Former NHL All-Star Dany Heatley scored his first-ever AHL goals with the opener at 8:40 into the game and a late equalizer with just 35 seconds remaining on his impressive one-timer in the slot during a desperation 6-on-4 push for the Admirals.
Both Rob Zepp and John Gibson were stellar in their respective nets. Shortly before Cousins’ game-winner Zepp made a spectacular left-leg kick save to deny a quick drive from Heatley who was aiming for a hat-trick in the extra period.
The Phantoms are 6-5 in games decided after regulation this year including 3-4 in overtime and 3-1 in shootouts. The overtime victory was the team’s first since October 25 when Scott Laughton drove-home an extra-period strike at Binghamton in the league’s new 3-on-3 format. Brandon Manning has the other Lehigh Valley overtime goal this season coming on Opening Night, October 17 against the Adirondack Flames.
The Phantoms are 1-1 on their 5-game road-trip and boast a 3-0 record against the Norfolk Admirals this year. It is Lehigh Valley’s second extra-time 3-2 decision over Norfolk in one week; The Phantoms also upended Norfolk at PPL Center last Saturday by the same final score following an 8-round marathon shootout.
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