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Admirals Beat Pirates 3-2

January 3, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates rallied late but couldn't tie the game and took a 3-2 loss at the hands of the Norfolk Admirals in the last game between the two teams this season. Portland won the first three to take a 3-1 edge in the season series.

The Pirates took advantage of a power play near the end of the first period to get on the board when Mark Mancari blasted a one-timer from the left wing past former Pirate Mike McKenna. Marc-Andre Gragnani and Tim Kennedy picked up the assists on the play. Just under two minutes later the Admirals retaliated when a point shot from Scott Jackson deflected twice and beat Jhonas Enroth. Chris Lawrence got credit for the goal while Jackson picked up an assist. After one period, Portland and Norfolk were tied at 1.

In the second period, the Admirals took their first lead of the game on Mike Lundin's second goal of the season with the assists going to Blair Jones and Radek Smolenak. Near the midpoint of the game, Portland tied things up at two after a flurry of chances in front and a couple of huge saves by Mike McKenna. A rebound caromed out to the left point and Marc-Andre Gragnani blasted it back into the chaotic scramble in front and beat McKenna for his fourth goal of the season. Marek Zagrapan and Trent Campbell earned assists on the play. Steve Downie untied the game less than two minutes later when he redirected a Chris Gratton shot past Jhonas Enroth to make it 3-2 Norfolk. Gratton and Jackson got assists on the play and the Admirals took a one goal lead into the third period.

In the third period, Portland fired 13 shots on net but Mike McKenna made all the stops to preserve a 3-2 Norfolk win.

Jhonas Enroth fallss to 12-7-2 on the year after stopping 25 of 28 shots he faced. Former Pirate Mike McKenna made 34 saves on 36 shots and got the win.

Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the Game: 1. Mike McKenna (NOR) 2. Marc-Andre Gragnani (POR) 3. Scott Jackson (NOR)

Notes: Mathieu Darche saw his point streak ended at six games. Attendance: 4,551.

The Pirates next game is tomorrow, Sunday, January 4th at 4:00, when the Pirates host the Springfield Falcons. Don't miss the Pirates team photo giveaway before the game and stick around after the game to get your photo signed by the players, sponsored by Maine Credit Union League. Sudzie Family Five packs are also available for all Sunday home games. Get five Main Deck tickets, five hot dogs or pizza slices, five sodas, one Daily Scroll game program and one free Sudzie Minuteman exterior car wash for the discounted price of $60.

Fans can follow the Pirates on U.S. Cellular Pirates Radio Network or watch the game LIVE on the internet courtesy of AHL Live by clicking the icon on the left side of the home page. The U.S. Cellular Pirates Radio Network includes the Pirates flagship station, the Bay 1400AM and 1490AM (Portland) and affiliates WEZR 1240 AM (Lewiston-Auburn), WTME 780AM (Rumford) and WKTQ 1450AM (South Paris).

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