Milwaukee, WI – The Abbotsford Heat lost 2-1 to the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators) on Tuesday night in the first of five consecutive road games.
Despite outshooting the Admirals 30-18, only Max Reinhart could beat Swedish puck-stopper Magnus Hellberg, who was named the first star of the game. Chris Mueller had two assists for Milwaukee, while Krys Kolanos’ personal 10-game point streak against Milwaukee was halted. The Heat remain in top spot in the North Division with 59 points in 50 games.
The Heat directed 16 shots on net in the first period, but Magnus Hellberg stopped them all. The Admirals opened the scoring on the power play at 11:50 of the second period. Cam Reid and Chris Mueller assisted on Juuso Puustinen’s seventh goal of the season. The Admirals led the game 1-0 after 40 minutes of play.
The Admirals added to their lead at 3:35 of the third period when Taylor Beck scored following a turnover in the Heat zone. Chris Mueller and Daniel Bang earned assists on the play.
Max Reinhart netted his fourth of the season at 9:18 of the third period, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. Reinhart beat Hellberg high on the blocker side with assists given to Nemisz and Callahan.
In his fourth straight start, Barry Brust made 16 saves on 18 shots. The Heat power play failed to score on four opportunities. Abbotsford’s penalty kill allowed one goal against during three Milwaukee man-advantages.
The Heat will return to action on Friday when the North Division-leaders will face-off against the Peoria Rivermen (AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues). The Heat will face the Rockford IceHogs (AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks) Saturday, and Sunday the Heat return to Milwaukee for their final game against the Admirals. Abbotsford’s 12-day road trip concludes on Wednesday, February 20th for their eighth and final meeting of the season with the Chicago Wolves.
Abbotsford comes home to face the Charlotte Checkers (AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes) on February 22nd and 23rd. February 22nd is Country Night at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre. The event will feature hotdogs for a dollar and beer for two dollars for the team’s fourth Loonie, Toonie, Dog ‘N Brew Night. For tickets and more information on the Heat, please call 1-877-452-HEAT(4328) or visit us online at www.AbbotsfordHeat.com.
