Muy Bien! Murphy Hat Trick Helps Pirates to 5-2 Win!

Published on March 28, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Pirates picked up a 5-2 win over the Manchester Monarchs to jump to third place in the Atlantic Division. Colin Murphy picked up a natural hat trick.

The two teams played a scoreless first period, as Pirates goaltender Jhonas Enroth stopped 9 shots and former Lewiston MAINEiac Jonathan Bernier made 7 saves for the Monarchs.

In the second period, Colin Murphy took matters into his own hands. A nice hit from Marek Zagrapan got the puck free for the Pirates, and Colin Murphy scored on a backhander from the slot. Murphy's 8th goal of the season came at 2:17 of the second with Zagrapan and Marc-Andre Gragnani getting the assists. A few minutes later, Murphy scored a shorthanded goal when he deked to the front of the net and got Bernier down and out before jamming the puck home. Murphy's 9th of the year was unassisted at 7:31 of the second and the Pirates 2-0 lead held through the rest of the period.

In the third, Colin Murphy was back at it again, completing the natural hat trick with a power play goal at 4:26 in the third. Murphy's 10th of the year was assisted by Mark Mancari and Marek Zagrapan. Just over two minutes later, Marc-Andre Gragnani picked up his 9th goal of the year from Colton Fretter and Marek Zagrapan on a power play. The goal came at 6:42. Just over two minutes later, Marc-Andre Gragnani picked up his 9th goal of the year from Colton Fretter and Marek Zagrapan on a power play. The goal came at 6:42. Manchester tried to mount a comeback as Marc-Andre Cliché scored his fifth goal of the year at 9:53 of the third with Matt Moulson and David Meckler getting the assist. A few minutes later, Justin Azevedo notched his 12th goal of the year at 13:38 of the third with Gabe Gauthier grabbing an assist. The Pirates answered though, when Nathan Gerbe grabbed goal number 26 on the season at 17:26 of the third from Mathieu Darche and Tim Kennedy and Portland picked up the 5-2 win.

Pirates goaltender Jhonas Enroth made 24 saves on 26 shots and took the loss. Jonathan Bernier gave up four goals on 25 shots before being pulled after 46:42. Daniel Taylor finished the final 13:18 and stopped 3 of the 4 shots he faced. Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the Game: 1. Colin Murphy (POR) 2. Marek Zagrapan (POR) 3. Marc-Andre Gragnani (POR)

Notes: Colin Murphy scored the natural hat trick picking up his 8th, 9th and 10th goals of the year...Attendance: 6,505.

The Pirates will be back in action tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 in Springfield, taking on the Falcons. 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 28, 2009


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