For the second straight game in the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union, the Jacksonville Icemen (4-11-1-1, 10 pts) face off against the Norfolk Admirals (6-13-1-0, 13 pts) at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
If Thursday's game was any indication for the type of game in store for tonight, fans are in luck. After a defensive first period, both teams began to pile on goals in the second and third periods. Elgin Pearce came up clutch for the Icemen late in the third, sending the game to overtime before Norfolk won the game in a shootout.
It will be interesting to see if both teams can continue the disciplined play displayed two days ago. The two clubs combined for just three minor penalties, resulting in mostly even-strength hockey. Staying out of the box will be important for Jacksonville, as Norfolk has the third-best road power play in the league.
The Icemen will have to focus on shutting down forward Grant Besse tonight. The rookie scored twice, including the game-winning shootout goal on Thursday. If the Icemen can shut down Norfolk with their defense, it bodes well for Jacksonville as the Admirals have the worst goals allowed average in the league with 4.15 per game.
Fans can watch two hockey games today as the Guns and Hoses game starts at 4:00 p.m. and the Icemen take on the Admirals at 7:30 p.m.! The first 3,000 fans in attendance receive a free Icemen rally towel courtesy of the Law Offices of John M. Phillips. Also, any fan who donates a toy benefitting Wolfson’s Children Hospital – Atlantic Self Storage will be entered in to win a $25 Icemen merchandise gift card! To purchase your tickets, click here!
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: The Hart Bridge will be closed from Friday Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m. until Sunday, Dec. 3 at 6:00 a.m.
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 4-11-1-1 (7th in South division)
Norfolk Admirals: 6-13-1-0 (6th in South division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 5/67 – 7.5% (27th in ECHL)
Admirals: 15/100 – 15.0% (18th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 67/79 – 84.8% (8th in ECHL)
Admirals: 72/87 – 82.8% (15th in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#13 F Emerson Clark (JAX)
8G, 12A – 20 Pts, -4 Rating
In his past two games, Clark has four goals and six points, including a hat trick against Orlando (11/28).
#12 F Grant Besse (NOR)
9G, 9A – 18 Pts, -7 Rating
Besse heads into Saturday’s game as the co-leader in points for Norfolk. In Thursday’s game, the rookie scored twice, including the game-winning goal in the shootout.
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