Photo Courtesy of the Norfolk AdmiralsAt various points throughout the 2024-25 season, the Wheeling Nailers struggled to score goals and create high-quality chances.
Unfortunately, that scenario played out Wednesday in the Nailers’ 4-0 loss to the Norfolk Admirals in their best-of-seven North Division Semifinal series at Norfolk Scope Arena.
Wheeling had an early power-play opportunity but failed to convert. The Admirals turned that reprieve into a goal five minutes into the game on a Darick Louis-Jean slapshot from the point past goaltender Sergei Murashov.
Former Nailer Brady Fleurent came back to haunt his former club midway through the opening frame, taking a feed from Hank Crone and delivering a shot through the five-hole for a 2-0 Admirals lead.
Both teams had several scoring chances in the middle frame but couldn’t take advantage. Four minutes into the third, Grant Hebert gave Norfolk a 3-0 lead on a backhander.
Jack O’Leary concluded the scoring with an empty-netter for his first professional goal and a decisive 4-0 victory by the Admirals, who take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Fleurent and Hebert each tallied three points on the night to help the Admirals' cause. Thomas Milic was spectacular in net for the Admirals, stopping all 29 shots fired his way. Murashov suffered the loss, stopping 25 of 28 shots.
Game 2 of the series is Thursday night in Norfolk, with puck drop set for 7:05 Pm ET.
Due to a scheduling conflict, the final five games of the series (if necessary) will take place at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling. The game dates are Apr. 23, 25, 26, 28 and 29. All contests in Wheeling are scheduled for 7:10 Pm ET.