GLENS FALLS, N.Y — The Adirondack Thunder scored just 2 minutes and 5 seconds into the game and dominated the second and third periods to defeat the Norfolk Admirals 5-1 in Game 6 of the ECHL North Division finals and win the series Tuesday night in front of 4,437 fans at Cool Insuring Arena.
Filip Engaras scored three goals as the Thunder posted their fourth consecutive victory — after winning three straight on Norfolk’s home ice at Scope — to end the Admirals’ best season in a decade.
Norfolk, after a 21-win, last-place finish last season, was making the club’s first postseason appearance since 2014.
The Admirals won the first two games of the series in Glens Falls, and finished with a 32-29 shot advantage Tuesday night. But they couldn’t stop the momentum after Adirondack won Game 3 in Norfolk.
Norfolk coach Jeff Carr declined an interview request after the game.
The Thunder advance to play the Florida Everblades in the Eastern Conference finals.
Engaras gave Adirondack an early lead on a rebound after Travis Broughman forced his way to the net and took a shot on goal. The Thunder led 1-0 just 2:05 into the first period.
Both teams had a number of chances throughout the rest of the frame, but the goaltending of Adirondack’s Isaac Poulter and Norfolk’s Yaniv Perets continued to be spectacular. The period ended with Adirondack in front 1-0.
The Admirals tied the game 5:12 into the second period. Brady Fleurent tapped home a loose puck in front on a power play to tie it at 1. Danny Katic and Denis Smirnov picked up assists on the play.
The Thunder dominated the remainder of the second period. Just two minutes later, Tristan Ashbrook received a cross-ice pass from Shane Harper and sent in a goal to give Adirondack a 2-1 lead. The Thunder then struck on the power play at 14:58 for a 3-1 lead when Engaras scored his second goal of the game.
Engaras and Harper added third-period goals within three minutes of each other to put away the Admirals.
ITS A LOUD HOUSE IN GLENS FALLS🚨⚡️@ECHL pic.twitter.com/IpU1T1IaDE
— Adirondack Thunder (@ECHLThunder) May 15, 2024
Perets made 24 saves and Poulter had 31 saves.
Norfolk outshot Adirondack 13-7 in the final period.
