Admirals make push towards final playoff spot in South Division

The Norfolk Admirals headed into the Christmas break looking to make a move up the South Division standings. Thanks to a three-game sweep at Orlando, the Admirals have closed to within five points of the final playoff spot in the South Division with a record of 11-17-1 for 23 points.

Norfolk opened the three-game set with a 5-3 win on Wednesday. Grant Besse paced the way offensively with four points (2g-2a) while Michael Young added a pair of assists from the blue line. Ty Reichenbach turned aside 36 shots to pick up the win in goal.

On Thursday, Besse and Alex Pompeo provided the offense and Reichenbach stopped all 43 Solar Bears’ shots as the Admirals skated away with a 2-0 win.

The series finale on Saturday saw Norfolk prevail 3-2 in a shootout. Young and Christian Horn scored for the Admirals in regulation while Darik Angeli scored the lone goal in the shootout for either team. Reichenbach earned his third win of the week with 45 saves in regulation and overtime, and turning aside all five attempts he faced in the shootout.

Besse leads the Admirals with 13 goals and 27 points, which are both tied for second among ECHL rookies in the respective categories. Brodie Dupont has tallied 25 points (9g-16a) to rank second on the team.

Reichenbach has won four of his last five decisions and ranks fifth among rookie goaltenders with a .915 save percentage.

Norfolk returns home this week to host Jacksonville on Friday and Saturday.