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Monarchs Score 4 Straight to Best Pirates in Overtime

March 8, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Manchester Monarchs scored four unanswered goals to knock off the Portland Pirates 4-3 Friday night at the Cumberland County Civic Center. The win ties the VIP Cup Series, presented by VIP Parts, Tires & Service, at 5 games apiece, and puts the Pirates 3 back of first place Providence for the Atlantic Division lead.

The first period was controlled by Portland. The Pirates went on an early power play, thanks to a bench minor for too many men called against the Monarchs just 58 seconds into the game. Chris Brown made the Monarchs pay just eight seconds later, scoring his 20th goal of the year and 10th power play goal of the season just 1:06 into regulation. Darian Dziurzynski, who signed an NHL entry level contract with the Phoenix Coyotes earlier in the day, scored the second Portland goal of the night, put a backhand shot over Monarchs starter Martin Jones on the breakaway for his sixth goal of the season at 8:55. Jordan Szwarz capped the Pirates' scoring for the period, tipping home a Brandon Gormley shot from the point at 12:43 to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead.

The Monarchs were given a chance to get back in the game in the second period. Andrew Bodnarchuk was able to get the Monarchs on the board, converting a long rebound off Tyler Toffoli's s shot past Chad Johnson for his fifth of the season at 8:03.

Manchester needed just under five minutes to complete the comeback in the third. Brandon Kozun parked in front to collect a rebound off a Bryan Rodney shot from the point for his 21st of the year at 4:16 of the period. The Monarchs then scored the equalizer, as Pirates-killer Toffoli who would rip a shot upstairs to beat Johnson. It was Toffoli's tenth goal against Portland this season and 28th overall. Despite three power play chances apiece in the third for the two teams, neither was able to capitalize on the man advantage, sending the game into overtime tied at 3. Stefan Legein capped off the Monarchs comeback, ringing a shot off the post past Johnson 2:52 into overtime to give the Monarchs the 4-3 win.

The Pirates fall to 33-20-2-2 on the season, while Chad Johnson drops to 15-11-1-1. The Monarchs improve to 28-24-3-3, with Martin Jones improving to 18-19-3-4.

The Pirates get back to action tomorrow night as they host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Hall of Fame Night, presented by Unum! Pirates Forward Jeff Nelson will become the 17th member of the Pirates' Hall of Fame during an in-game ceremony. Puck drop is set for 7:05 PM. The game can be heard on 95.5 and 95.9 WPEI in the Portland area, 92.7FM and 100.7 FM WOXO FM in the Lewiston/Auburn area, and online on the WLOB radio player and AHL Live. Tomorrow's game will also be televised on Time Warner Cable Channel 9. Tickets are still available by calling (207) 828-4665 ext. 350 or online at ticketmaster.com.

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