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Penguins Silence Pirates 5-0

January 23, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates (24-14-1-0) saw their second six-game win streak on the season come to an end, dropping a 5-0 decision with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (29-10-0-1) Saturday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. The last time Portland suffered a shutout at home it came in overtime, served by Aaron Dell of the Worcester Sharks on April 7, 2015.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton received goals in the first period courtesy of Scott Wilson and Tom Sestito, as rookie goaltender Tristan Jarry stopped 34 shots the Pirates sent his way.

Rocco Grimaldi was called for tripping at 10:59 of the period and Wilson capitalized. The forward's league-leading 20th goal of the season put the Penguins up 1-0. Former UMaine Black Bear Will O'Neil collected his 100th assist on the play.

Just 1:56 later, it was Sestito getting credit for tipping in a Clark Seymour shot past Portland goalie Mike McKenna for his second of the season.

Josh Archibald put the game out of reach for the Pirates scoring on a breakaway. McKenna thought that he had made the initial save but the puck managed to find the back of the net, giving the Penguins a 3-0 lead after two periods.

Sahir Gill and Tom Kostopoulos each netted third period goals for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the 5-0 final.

Portland finished the game three-for-six on the penalty-kill and was unable to capitalize on six power play opportunities, which included a five-on-three opportunity.

McKenna made 28 saves in the loss, bringing the Gorham Saves for Charity total to $5,170 so far this season. The goaltender saw his franchise record for consecutive wins by a goalie stopped at 13. McKenna, now 19-8-1 on the season, lost for the first time since December 4 and for the first time in regulation since November 28.

The Pirates will dash through the snow to Hartford to take on the Wolf Pack Sunday afternoon at the XL Center. Puck drop is set for 3:00 p.m. Jeff Mannix calls all the action starting at 2:40 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.

Portland returns home on Wednesday for the second half of the Eimskip Port-to-Port Challenge. It's the second WINSday of the season! Select seats are buy-one-get-the second ticket for just a dollar! Fans can exchange tickets from the first WINSday on December 16th for a free ticket. Hot dogs from the Cross Insurance Arena concessions stands will also be just $1 all night long! And if the Pirates win, you get another ticket for the next Pirates WINSday game! To get your One Dollar WINSday tickets today, call 207-PIRATES!

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