The Trois-Rivières Lions’ indiscipline smiled at the Admirals, who seized the opportunity to make the difference in the final moments of a 7-5 win in Norfolk on Wednesday night.

Center Matthew Barron was penalized for still holding 2:49 on the rule. Stepan Timofeyev struck on goal on the power play to make the difference in a closely fought game. Mathieu Roy added a few in an empty web.

The Lions found themselves in the driving seat only once, after two early goals from Colin Bilek and Alex Breton early in the first half. That one-goal priority didn’t last long, allowing the Admirals to regain the lead before the battle was over.

Montreal Canadiens’ Brett Stapley added his mustard by showing all his pace early in the third third. The attacker overpowered his roofer to escape. He then overcame Cale Morris with a good over-the-shoulder shot. The University of Denver product had three points to level the game 4-4 but was unsuccessful.

It was a very difficult game for goalkeeper Francis Marotte, who was beaten six times by the Admirals with 21 shots. He was defeated twice per period.

Brendan Soucie, who scored his first goal with the Lions, was shorthanded and Francis Thibeault were the other scorers for the visitors. The Habs school club has sometimes encountered goalkeeper Morris, author of 22 saves.

The Lions remain in Norfolk for a few more days to face the Admirals again on Friday and Saturday.