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McKenna Fuels Pirates over Phantoms

February 12, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Allentown, PA - The Portland Pirates (27-18-1-0) scored on their first shot of the night and knocked off the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (23-24-2-1) by a score of 3-1 Friday night at the PPL Center. Portland goaltender Mike McKenna stretched out to make a season-high 45 saves and added two assists on his way to his 73rd career win with Portland. He stands one game shy of tying Jhonas Enroth's mark of 74 career victories by a Pirates' goaltender, the second most all-time.

Kyle Rau registered the first goal of the game at 7:57 of the first period. Jason LaBarbera attempted to clear the puck from the slot after a Mike Matheson shot but sent it right to the rookie's stick. The goal was Rau's first since he scored two goals against the Phantoms on Jan. 2nd when the teams faced off in Portland. Rocco Grimaldi and Matheson notched assists on Rau's 16th goal of the season.

The Phantoms would get on the board with the man advantage in the second period. Former Pirate Chris Conner re-directed a Taylor Leier feed behind McKenna to level the game 1-1.

A McKenna save sprung Portland's second goal and the eventual game winner at 17:40 of the second period. Rocco Grimaldi was called for interference but the Phantoms were unable to cash in on the power play. The forward exited the box just in time to slam in a LaBarbera rebound off an initial Wayne Simpson shot. Grimaldi's 10th of the season was assisted by McKenna and Simpson.

McKenna bid to become the first Pirates goaltender to score a goal with 11 seconds left in regulation as he floated the puck towards the Phantoms' vacant net. The puck came just shy before Greg McKegg put it home for the 3-1 final.

With the victory McKenna improves to 22-10-1, while LaBarbera drops to 7-12-0 on the season.

The win snaps the Pirates three-game loosing skid and is the second victory against the Phantoms this season.

The Pirates' road trip continues Saturday night against the Atlantic Division leading Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. Jeff Mannix calls all the action starting at 6:45 with the Pirates Pregame Show, served by Dunkin Donuts, on the WPEI Portland Pirates Radio Network, Presented by Napa Auto Parts, on 95.9/95.5 FM.

The Pirates return home to Cross Insurance Arena to host the Penguins on Friday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. Friday is Hockey Night in Portland! Show a valid college ID at the Trusted Choice Box Office and get $4 off a main deck ticket courtesy of Sun Tan City. Start your Friday early with Happy Hour on the CN Brown Landing, starting at 4:56 p.m., including special Happy Hour pricing, $4 beer, $5 apps, and $6 cocktails!

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