Confluence Home/Road Trip; Norfolk 5, Baby Pens 2

All good things must come to an end, or so they say.

So, for the first time in my seven occasions of seeing the Baby Pens here in Norfolk, they went down in defeat, and went down hard, losing 5-2.

[[ For those of you geographically challenged, Norfolk and Virginia Beach are joined at the hip. ]]

Playing before the largest Norfolk crowd in their AHL history (7,209), the atmosphere was certainly nothing like I had been used to in the dump known as the Norfolk Scope, which basically looks like the Igloo's ugly stepsister. I was amazed as we walked up towards the ticket booths (I never usually buy tickets in advance there) that there was a huge line.

As soon as we eventually got in the building, Dennis Bonvie and his old buddy David Koci were throwing haymakers at each other. Our seats were about 3 feet behind the Admirals penalty box, and Bonvie and Koci didn't stop yakking at each other the entire 5 minutes. Bonvie was really entertaining the Norfolk hicks in the crowd as well, it was pretty hilarious.

But back to the ice action, sorry to say, this Baby Pens squad is nothing like previous years' teams.

Filewich is certainly impressive, I'd have to concur with those who say he would be the next forward to be called up to the big boys in the 'Burgh.

Dupont looked steady as well, I'd have no problem with him coming back up to fill a D-man slot.

And, like father like son, the Baby Pens had a FULL 2-minute 5 on 3, and whiffed on it. What is it about 5 on 3's with this organization ???

By the way, guess who was in goal for the Admirals ?? Our old buddy Patrick Lalime.

In the Baby Pens' net, Jeff Deslauriers basically stunk. Didn't even last one period before he was pulled for Andrew Penner, who was decent the remainder of the game.

So, overall, we had a good time, the crowd was really pumped, and for the 1st time in my 7 visits, they went home happy.

Leclair waived; Roy passes through waivers

Can't say I'm not surprised.

The writing was certainly on the wall for both Leclair and Roy. The fact that Roy has already passed through waivers should be a red flag to all "enforcers"; You'd better have some offensive skills, or have some speed if you're a D-man, 'cause if you don't have any of those requisite skills, you're days are numbered in the NHL.

I also wouldn't be surprised if Leclair gets nabbed by the Flyers, for old times sake. Tim Panaccio's column confirms as much.

Of course, these roster moves are making wild speculation on the Ray Shero's next move. Is it simply to make room for Ryan Malone when he returns in about a week ? Is there a trade brewing (read: Naslund, Markus) ?? Another WBS callup (Filewich) ??

I suppose we shall see in the coming days.