Despite Isaac Poulter’s 33 saves Saturday night, the Norfolk Admirals lost 3-2 to the Wheeling Nailers in the opener of a two-game ECHL series before 4,839 in West Virginia.

Wheeling, a Pittsburgh Penguins affiliate, moved ahead just 1:31 into the game on Brent Johnson’s power-play goal, a chance resulting from Connor Fedorek’s tripping penalty, and remained in front thereafter.

Bogdans Hodass netted a slap shot for a 2-0 edge 1:48 into the middle period, but Poulter made 15 saves in that 20-minute span to keep Norfolk from being blown out.

The Admirals’ Jack O’Leary cut the deficit to 2-1 with assists from Matt Crasa and Dustin Geregach 1:32 into the final period.

Wheeling’s Max Graham, named the night’s No. 1 star, lifted the lead to 3-1 at 10:56 of the third with a power-play goal.

See Full Page