Bruins Hang On For 4-3 Win Over Pirates

Published on March 13, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Providence, RI - The Providence Bruins fought back after the Pirates tied the score late, and the Bruins took a 4-3 win. Mathieu Darche had a pair of goals in the loss.

The Bruins started the game strong, with a 9-2 edge in shots early on. Soon they'd cash in, as Martin St. Pierre took a cross ice feed from Vladimir Sobotka and one timed it past Pirates goaltender Jhonas Enroth. Jeff Penner also picked up an assist. St. Pierre's 14th goal of the year came at 12:21 of the first period. Just under six minutes later, the Pirates turned it over deep in their own zone. Jeremy Reich took the puck in front of the net and deked Enroth before beating him for his 18th goal of the season. The Bruins took a 2-0 lead into the second frame.

The Pirates cut the lead down early in the second on a power play as Mike Kostka took a shot from the left side and the rebound was batted out of the air and home by Mathieu Darche. Darche's 20th of the year was assisted by Kostka and Felix Schutz at 1:04 of the second. Providence came roaring back a little more than ten minutes later on a power play when Vladimir Sobotka took a pass from Johnny Boychuk that split the defense and skated in on Enroth. Sobotka beat him with a quick wrister for his 15th goal of the season to put the Bruins back ahead by two, 3-1. Sobotka's goal was assisted by Boychuk and Tuukka Rask at 12:55 of the second period. Portland cut it back down to a one goal game with another power play tally. Mathieu Darche took a loose puck in front off a centering feed from Nathan Gerbe and jammed it home. Darche's second goal of the night and 21st of the year was assisted by Marc-Andre Gragnani. The Pirates headed into the third trailing 3-2.

Portland fought back to tie the game at 12:30 of the third when Mark Mancari scored in front for his 24th goal of the season. Marek Zagrapan and Zach Tarkir picked up assists. Just 1:20 later though, the Bruins took the lead back and held on for good. Mikko Lehtonen took a left wing pass from Martin St. Pierre and beat Enroth for his 24th goal of the season. Vladimir Sobotka picked up an assist as well and Providence held on for the 4-3 win.

Pirates goaltender Jhonas Enroth made 25 saves on 29 shots but took the loss. Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask stopped 25 of 28 Pirates shots and earned the win.

Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the Game: 1. Vladimir Sobotka (PRO) 2. Mathieu Darche (POR) 3. Martin St. Pierre (PRO)

Notes: Jhonas Enroth is 0-8-3 in his last 11 starts... Mathieu Darche scored two goals...Mikko Lehtonen has 5 goals in 6 games against the Pirates this year...Attendance: 7,660.

The Pirates next game is tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, 2009 as the Pirates shift their home ice advantage to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, ME to host the Lowell Devils. 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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American Hockey League Stories from March 13, 2009


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