Pirates Edge Admirals
December 31, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release
PORTLAND, ME - Chris Gratton staked Norfolk to a 1-0 lead with his first goal as an Admiral and Mike McKenna made 28 saves against his former club. However, the Norfolk Admirals (13-17-1-4) saw their four-game winning streak end in a 2-1 loss to the Portland Pirates (19-11-1-2) on Wednesday evening at Cumberland County Civic Center.
All of the scoring for the game occurred in the second stanza. The Admirals took a 1-0 lead 5:01 into the period. Ty Wishart sent a shot from the top of the left circle that Pirates netminder Jhonas Enroth blocked. Chris Gratton found the rebound at the top of the crease and sent a quick shot into the net.
However, the Pirates took a 2-1 lead before the period's end. Mark Mancari found the rebound of a Mathieu Darche shot in the right faceoff circle and sent a shot through a screen past Norfolk netminder Mike McKenna for a power play goal at 14:09. Just under four minutes later, Colton Fretter sent a shot from the right circle that Trent Campbell redirected between McKenna's legs for a 2-1 Portland lead at 17:56.
Norfolk out-shot Portland 9-8 in the final frame but was unable to find the equalizer.
Mike McKenna (30 shots, 28 saves) took the loss. Jhonas Enroth (31 shots, 31 saves) earned the win.
Norfolk was 0-4 on the power play. Portland was 1-4.
The Admirals will head to Worcester for a Friday tilt against the Sharks on Friday night at 7:05.
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