Falcons Overwhelm Pirates in Third Period

Published on March 17, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Springfield, Massachusetts - The Springfield Falcons scored four unanswered goals in the third period, including two shorthanded goals and a power play tally, to beat the Portland Pirates by a score of 5-1 in front of 3,697 at the MassMutual Center. Nick Drazenovic and Matt Calvert had a goal and an assist each for Springfield (29-28-3-3, 64 points, 11th Eastern Conference). Portland (28-28-3-3, 62 points, 13th Eastern Conference) slides two spots in the standings and are now three points out of the eighth and final playoff spot.

After a sluggish start for both teams, the Falcons took the play to Portland in the opening 12 minutes. Springfield registered the first 11 shots on goal, but Mannino made a number of big saves to keep the game scoreless through the first 20 minutes.

The Pirates would break the deadlock at 4:36 of the second period when Brett Sterling stuffed home the rebound of an Andy Miele shot for his 25th goal of the season and third as a member of the Pirates. Maxim Goncharov also picked up an assist.

But, it took Springfield all of 74 seconds to tie the game back up. Drazenovic beat Mannino on the rebound of a Greg Amadio shot. Matt Calvert also had an assist on Drazenovic's seventh goal of the season.

The Falcons took over the game in third period. They tallied their eighth shorthanded goal of the season against the Pirates early in the period to take the lead. Adam Mair would strip the puck from Maxim Goncharov and skate in a on a breakaway to beat Mannino upstairs for his third goal of the season. The unassisted goal at 2:25 made it 2-1.

Dalton Prout gave Springfield a two-goal lead with a blast from the top of the slot with an assist from Martin St. Pierre at 4:19. The goal was Prout's fourth of the season.

Calvert would score another shorthanded goal exactly four minutes later off a breakout pass from Drazenovic. It is the third time Springfield has scored twice in a game Portland while shorthanded this season. The goal was Calvert's 14th this year.

Springfield closed out the scoring with a power play goal from Tomas Kubalik, his 11th on the season, with assists from Alexandre Giroux and St. Pierre.

Mike Clemente picked up the win in net in his first ever professional start with 24 saves. Mannino took the loss to drop to 5-7-0 on the season. He made 33 saves. Springfield was 1-for-6 on the power play, while Portland was 0-for-4.

The Fairway Mortgage 3 Stars of the Game were all from Springfield: 1. Calvert; 2. Drazenovic; 3. Clemente.

The Portland Pirates return home tomorrow night to face the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 7:00 p.m. It's Green Night, Presented by Irving Oil. The Pirates will wear special commemorative green jerseys as they celebrate St. Patrick's Day! You can get your tickets by stopping by the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office, by calling 828-4665, EXT. 350, or by going online to portlandpirates.com.

Portland Pirates 20th Anniversary Season Tickets are now on sale! You can secure your seats for as low as $50! Season tickets include plenty of great perks! To find out more, call the Pirates Tickets Office at 828-4665, EXT 350 today!

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American Hockey League Stories from March 17, 2012


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