The Checkers came out swinging, dominating the first period shot totals by a count of 15-5, but it was the Admirals who found the back of the net first. A strange bounce off the end boards led to the puck sliding back at the legs of an unsuspecting John Muse, who unknowingly pushed the puck over the goal line to put Norfolk ahead.
The tables were turned for the second period, as the Checkers could not get anything going, only registering four shots on goal to the Admirals' 10. Neither team could convert, however, and Charlotte went into the third period down just one goal. But Mat Clark extended Norfolk's lead less than five minutes into the final frame and Max Friberg added an insurance marker late to seal a 3-0 victory for Norfolk.
The Checkers' powerplay was once again ineffective, failing to convert on any of the season-high eight opportunities they were given. Their powerplay unit now has one goal in its last 30 man advantages.
John Muse, in his first start since this same Admirals team put 50 shots on him on their way to an overtime win, turned in a solid outing, keeping his team in a position to win throughout. Muse only saw 24 shots tonight, stopping 21 of them, and helped the Checkers hold Norfolk scoreless on their three powerplay chances.
The Checkers will now fly to Texas for back-to-back tilts with the defending Calder Cup champion Stars this weekend before returning to Charlotte to begin a four-game home stand.