Wolf Pack Dominate Pirates 5-0
February 5, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release
Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates (26-17-1-0) opened up the second half of the season dropping a 5-0 decision to the Hartford Wolf Pack (24-20-2-0) Friday Night at Cross Insurance Arena.
Hartford ambushed the Pirates, scoring three goals in the first eight minutes of the second period, including one short-handed.
With seven seconds left in the Pirates power play, Wolf Pack's Ryan Graves netted the backbreaker putting away a Brian Gibbons shot past goalie Mike McKenna. The goal sparked an outburst of offense, as Hartford would add goals from Ryan Bourque and Tommy Hughes before the period was over.
Shawn O'Donnell was gifted a penalty shot after being tripped midway through the period. McKenna denied the shot but Hartford maintained the momentum and capitalized on the ensuing face off to make it 4-0. Hughes' second goal of the season would be it for McKenna, who made 21 saves in the losing effort before being exchanged for Sam Brittain.
Adam Tambellini added an empty-net goal with 6:35 left in regulation for the 5-0 final.
The Wolf Pack had two opportunities on the power play in the third period, but Brittain continued to be a wall between the pipes and denied the Wolf Pack's 10 shots.
Nicklas Jensen grabbed the first goal for the Wolf Pack as he tipped a Tommy Hughes shot under the cross bar past goalie Mike McKenna. Jensen's eighth of the season was assisted by Hughes and Jack Combs. Magnus Hellberg stopped 35 shots on his way to his third shutout of the year. He improves to 16-11-2-3 on the year.
Sam Brittain stopped all 14 shots holding on to a 5-8-0 record on the year. In all the Pirates' goaltenders stopped 35 shots bringing the Gorham Saves for Charity to $6,050 so far this season.
The loss drops Portland to 26-17-1-0 on the year, while Hartford improves to 24-20-2-0.
Saturday night is Puck for Paws Night presented by IDEXX as the Pirates face off against the Providence Bruins. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. Bring an item to donate to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland and receive a pair of tickets to a future Pirates game. Call 207-PIRATES or visit PortlandPirates.com tickets and more information.
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