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56 Wins for Number 56: Mike McKenna Becomes Third Winningest Goalie in Portland Pirates History

November 15, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Providence, RI - Mike McKenna made 25 saves and didn't allow a goal on three shootout attempts to stave off the Providence Bruins (3-7-3-1) on Sunday afternoon at the Dunkin Donuts Center, leading Portland Pirates (6-6-0-0) to a 3-2 victory, their first road win of the season. The win was McKenna's 56th as a member of the Pirates, moving him past Maxime Ouellet for third all-time in Portland Pirates history.

Providence struck first at 14:24 of the first period when Colton Hargrove took a shot that was stopped by McKenna, but the rebound bounced off of Pirates forward Shane Harper and into the goal. Hargrove's third goal of the season was assisted by Max Talbot and Noel Accari.

The Pirates answered just 59 seconds later as Kyle Rau tipped Dylan Olsen shot past Malcolm Subban for his sixth goal of the season. Wayne Simpson also picked up an assist.

After a scoreless second period in which Portland was outshot 12-3, the Pirates took the lead at 12:37 of third period when Shane Harper pounced on a rebound for his first tally of the season, assisted by Brett Olson and Cameron Gaunce.

The Bruins countered as Anton Blidh finished a Colby Cave feed just 46 later. Blidh's fourth goal of the campaign was also assisted by Garry Nunn.

Portland outshot the P-Bruins 4-2 in the overtime, but neither team could score.

Rau was the first shooter of the shootout and snuck a backhander through Subban's legs. It proved to be the only goal of the shootout. McKenna made a diving poke check on Providence's final shootout attempt from Colby Cave to give the Pirates the victory.

McKenna has won three starts in a row, improving to 5-4-0 on the year as he helped the Pirates up their winning streak to three. Subban stopped 14 shots and fell to 1-3-1.

Portland was 0-for-2 on the power play, while Providence was 0-for-5. The win was Pirates first against Providence in three tries this season.

Portland's road swing continues with a match up in Syracuse against the Crunch this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. from the OnCenter War Memorial Arena. "Voice of the Pirates" Jeff Mannix calls all the action, starting with the Pirates Pregame Show, Served by Dunkin Donuts, on the WPEI Portland Pirates Radio Network, Presented by Napa Auto Parts.

The Pirates return home for the annual Black Friday game on November 27 at 7:00 p.m. against the Utica Comets. Pirates Holiday Packs are now on Sale! Get one while that last by calling 207-PIRATES or visiting portlandpirates.com!

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