Great news Admirals fans, Milwaukee’s pesky two game losing streak is OVER, full roster or not.
After a penalty filled slow start, Milwaukee settled down for solid final 56 minutes of hockey, picking up a 3-1 over the Toronto Marlies in a morning affair in Canada’s largest city.
Forward Gabriel Bourque and defenseman Grant Lewis provided the dominant presence, each picking up a power play goal and an assist. Bourque’s goal beat Marlies goaltender Ben Scrivens over the shoulder. Originally, Bourque was credited with a second goal on the power play, but it was determined that he did not tip the original shot from Grant Lewis.
Mike Bartlett grabbed a garbage goal for the Admirals other score, after some terrific corner work from Ryan Flynn, who is really starting to come into his own. Bartlett and Flynn showed some real chemistry together on the ice during the game.
Ex-Providence Bruins forward Joe Colborne picked up a five on three power play goal in the early stages for Toronto’s only lead of the game. The newest Leafs prospect (acquired in the Tomas Kaberle trade), has four goals in his six games with the Marlies.
Admirals Goaltender Mark Dekanich made the lead hold up, snagging his 21st win of the season while turning away 31 of 32 pucks.
Milwaukee’s power play continues to improve. The Admirals scored a pair of goals on the man advantage, finishing 2 for 6 overall, and moving up to 15th overall in the AHL at 18% success. However, Milwaukee ranks in the top ten on the power play on the road.
An impressive and boisterous morning showing from the Toronto fans as 5,614 filled Ricoh Coliseum for the game (likely 80% kids), something rarely used in recent years to describe fans at the Air Canada Center for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
One injury update to report, Steve Begin should be back in game action for the Admirals soon, perhaps as early as the weekend or more likely next week.
So Roundtable, what do you think of the new and improved Admirals power play, starring Grant Lewis?
With Milwaukee playing “short handed” roster wise for the next few weeks, will the Admirals be ok just splitting games for the forseable future?
Today’s game started at 10AM local time, 11AM in Toronto, yet was played at a pretty good pace. What is your opinion of early matinee games, especially during the week? Do they change the way the game is played?
Admirals Roundtable 
According to opinions I’ve read elsewhere, we would need around 95 or 96 points to guarantee a playoff spot. With that logic, that means we’d need 18 points or 9 wins in our last 20 games. I’d say we can do that easily.
With all of the current injuries and callups, it’s time to see guys step up. Thuresson still appears to be a absent, at least on the scoresheet. People earlier were complaining about Santorelli, well here’s his opportunity to shine. Flynn has been playing well. So has Bartlett.
Any word on the status of Wade Belak?
How do you expect Santorelli to shine with limited ice time and being on the 4th line?
I also have to agree that Flynn is playing great. I also recall when Santorelli played with Bartlett they looked good together and created alot of scoring chances but somehow Santorelli always gets flopped around. Thuresson needs a wake-up call and placed on the 4th line.