The Checkers fell behind early and couldn’t recover as they dropped their preseason opener, 3-0, to the Norfolk Admirals.

Leading the way for the Admirals were Kyle Palmieri and Corey Elkins, who each notched a goal and an assist. Earning the win for the Admirals was former Carolina Hurricanes draft pick Frederick Andersen, who stopped 15 shots before being relieved by goaltending partner Igor Bobkov in the third period.

The Admirals controlled much of the first period, out-shooting the Checkers, 11-5, and took a 1-0 lead midway through the frame. Charlotte showed signs of life in the second period, when forward Zac Dalpe beat Andersen twice over the shoulder but hit the post both times.

Norfolk then added a power-play tally midway through the third period before Ryan Lasch put the game out reach when he stuffed home a loose puck with 7:04 to play.

The two teams will meet again Sunday at 1 p.m. in Norfolk and the Checkers will open their regular season Saturday, Oct. 13 in Houston.

Charlotte lineup

Goaltenders: John Muse, Justin Peters

Defensemen: Brett Bellemore, Justin Faulk, Marc-Andre Gragnani, Michal Jordan, Rasmus Rissanen, Bobby Sanguinetti

Forwards: Nicolas Blanchard, Zach Boychuk, Zac Dalpe, Sean Dolan, Victor Rask, Leigh Salters, Justin Shugg, Jared Staal, Brett Sutter, Brody Sutter, Chris Terry, Jeremy Welsh