Pirates Beat Sharks 2-1 in Worcester

February 27, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Worcester, Massachusetts - The Portland Pirates picked up a 2-1 win over the Worcester Sharks at the DCU Center. Portland rookie Tim Kennedy had a goal and an assist in the win, while goaltender Kellen Briggs stopped 28 of 29 shots. The Pirates took a 5-4 lead in the battle for the Unum Cup, with the final game yet to come in the ten game series.

The Pirates scored the lone goal of the first period during a 4-on-4. The Pirates got a two on none after Jason Demers fell down at the right point. Marek Zagrapan skated in on a breakaway with Tim Kennedy trailing the play. Zagrapan tried to go five hole, but Thomas Greiss made the save. Kennedy followed up the shot and jammed home the rebound. Kennedy's 13th goal of the year was assisted by Marek Zagrapan and Kellen Briggs. The Pirates goaltender picked up an assist in just his second AHL game. The goal came at 13:47 of the first.

The second period was less eventful than the first, with just 14 shots between the two teams after 23 combined shots in the first period. Neither team found the back of the net and after 40 minutes Kellen Briggs had 21 saves while Thomas Greiss had fifteen. Portland held a 1-0 lead.

Just 32 seconds into the third period, Ryan Vesce scored his 19th goal of the season, jamming home a rebound off a shot from Lukas Kaspar. The Sharks tied the game at one, with Mike Moore also picking up an assist. Portland came roaring back less than five minutes later with Tim Kennedy fed the puck towards the front of the net and Nathan Gerbe tipped it home for the game winner. Gerbe's 22nd goal of the year came from Kennedy and Mathieu Darche at 5:12 of the third and the Pirates held on for a 2-1 win.

Portland goaltender Kellen Briggs made 28 saves on 29 shots to pick up his first AHL win in his second career start. Worcester netminder Thomas Greiss took the loss, stopping 25 of 27 shots.

Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the Game: 1. Kellen Briggs (POR) 2. Tim Kennedy (POR) 3. Thomas Greiss (WOR)

Notes: The Pirates return home after seven straight road games. Tim Kennedy returned from a lower body injury and scored a goal. Attendance: 3,603.

The Pirates next game is tomorrow, Saturday, February 28th as the Pirates host the Hartford Wolf Pack. It will be Labatt Blue Light Hockey Night in Portland, so come get the full night experience, including pregame drink specials at The Stadium from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Thundersticks, sponsored by U.S. Cellular. Positive 89.3 will present a live concert at the game.

The game will be televised on Time Warner Cable (Channel 22 in Cumberland and York Counties and on TWC where available). 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).



American Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2009


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