Justin Taylor recorded a hat trick as the Adirondack Thunder defeated the Norfolk Admirals 7-3 on Sunday evening at Harding Mazzotti Arena in Glens Falls. The win came in front of 3,669 fans, with Taylor's three goals proving decisive in a game marked by strong offensive plays from both sides. Goaltender Jeremy Brodeur made 26 saves to secure the victory for the Thunder.
The Adirondack Thunder jumped out to an early lead in the first period, capitalizing on a power play just 4:29 in. Matt Salhany scored his sixth goal of the season, taking a pass from Justin Taylor and beating Norfolk goaltender Christian Propp over the right shoulder from the left circle. Assists went to Taylor and Patrick Grasso.
Less than three minutes later, at the 7:23 mark, Brian Carrabes and Matt Salhany connected on a quick exchange, with Carrabes burying his fourth goal of the year for a 2-0 advantage. Jackson van de Leest earned the second assist.
The Admirals responded late in the period when Chase Yoder potted a rebound at 13:55 for his third goal, assisted by Brandon Osmundson and Ben Zloty, cutting the deficit to 2-1 heading into the second.
Taylor extended the lead to 3-1 at 9:58 of the middle frame, roofing a shot top shelf after a setup from Brian Carrabes and Matt Salhany. This was Taylor's seventh goal of the season. Norfolk clawed back when Kristoff Papp scored his fifth at 14:33, assisted by David Jankowski, following a bounce over a Thunder defenseman's stick, making it 3-2.
In the third, Taylor struck again just 1:18 in, tipping a pass from Brannon McManus at the crease for his eighth goal, assisted by Kishaun Gervais, to make it 4-2. Ryan Wheeler and Luke Reid then added goals to push the score to 6-2.
Taylor completed his hat trick with 3:44 remaining, scoring on assists from Patrick Grasso and Matt Salhany for the final 7-3 margin. Brodeur stopped 26 shots in the win.
The Thunder host the Admirals again on Monday at 3 p.m., with promotions including $5 Busch Light specials.