05-05-2025
Norfolk Holds Off Lions, Ties North Division Finals at 1-1
The Winnipeg Jets weren't the only club within their organization to get a playoff win on Sunday.
Their ECHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, held off a valiant third-period comeback to edge the Trois-Rivieres Lions 4-3 in their best-of-seven North Division Finals series.
While it wasn't the amazing comeback the Jets staged in their 4-3 double-overtime Game 7 victory over the St. Louis Blues, it brought the Admirals even in the series with the Lions 1-1.
All four Admirals goals came on the power-play. Both teams generated quality scoring chances in the opening period.
Trois-Rivières was first to get on the scoreboard with their own power-play goal from Morgan Adams-Moisan. However, Norfolk responded with two quick goals in the final 20 seconds of the period—both coming on the man advantage.
The first came during a 5-on-3 after Hank Crone netted his first of the post-season on a one-time set up by Bryce Brodzinski, tying the game at 1-1.
During a 5-on-4 11 seconds later, Ryan Chyzowski unleashed a one-timer of his own to give the Admirals a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes.
Brodzinski scored his second goal of the postseason, and second point of the afternoon on yet another power play. He put in a tap-in shot through the five-hole. The initial call was a goal, and after review, it was confirmed, extending Norfolk's lead to 3-1.
With less than three minutes remaining in the period, Chyzowski delivered a perfect pass to a streaking Brandon Osmundson, who fired in the one-timer to make it 4-1 heading into the third. This goal also came on the power play, marking the Admirals' fourth power-play tally of the game.
In the third period, Anthony Beauregard cut the Lions' deficit to 4-2 83 seconds in with a power-play goal.
Then, with five minutes remaining, Tyler Hylland brought Trois-Rivières within one. Despite a strong push in the final moments, the Lions could not find the equalizer, and the 4-3 final held up.
Thomas Milic continued his strong postseason form, turning aside 24 of 27 shots in his sixth consecutive playoff start.
The series now shifts to Norfolk Scope Arena for Games 3, 4, and 5. Game 3 is Thursday, with puck drop set for 7:05 Pm ET.
