Goalie Mike Murphy stopped 28 Admirals shots to lead the host Charlotte Checkers over the Admirals 3-2 Saturday night at Time Warner Cable Arena.
The loss was Milwaukee’s first in regulation since Jan. 13, 2011, when the team lost in Winnipeg to the Manitoba Moose, 3-0. It ended a streak of 23 straight games with at least a standings point (16-0-4-3), an AHL record.
The Checkers struck first on a power play goal by Zach Boychuk. Boychuk sped to the net on the left wing. His shot from the circle deflected off Milwaukee defenseman Scott Ford and over the right shoulder of goalie Jeremy Smith at 1:22 of the first period.
The Admirals tied the game with a power play tally of its own at 15:18 of the first period. Chris Mueller had the puck on the left post. He was able to jam the puck between the legs of Charlotte netminder Mike Murphy. Ryan Thang and Gabriel Bourque recorded the assists.
Charlotte claimed the lead at 7:24 of the second period. Zack Stortini’s stick was tied up on a clearing attempt by Checkers forward Justin Shugg. The puck slid into the slot where Chris Terry fired a wristshot past Smith’s glove for his third goal of the season.
Boychuk scored what proved to be the game-winner when he slapped a rebound of a Jerome Samson shot past Smith at 1:59 of the third.
Milwaukee got within a goal at 5:12 when Mueller scored his second of the night and sixth of the year with a 5-on-3 power play goal. Kyle Wilson and Ryan Ellis recorded the helpers.
The Admirals and Checkers meet in Charlotte again Sunday at 1:00 PM. Milwaukee returns home Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 7:00 pm against Abbotsford.