Pirates, Falcons Fight for Playoff Position

Published on April 7, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates will shoot for their 4th straight victory this afternoon when they face the Springfield Falcons at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Puck drop is set for 4 PM, as the Pirates look to jump back into the 5th spot in the Eastern Conference while preventing the Falcons from clinching the Northeast Division.

Portland is coming off a 4-2 victory over the Manchester Monarch to win the first ever VIP Cup, presented by VIP Parts, Tires & Service. The Pirates' Brett Hextall, Darian Dziurzynski, and Phil Lane (twice) provided the offense, with forward Justin Feser registering his first professional point in his first professional debut. Goaltender Mike Lee made 24 saves on 24 shots to win his second consecutive game. The win gave Portland 81 points on the season, tying their total from last season.

Springfield is coming off a 7-1 win over the Worcester Sharks last night at the DCU Center in Worcester. The Falcons played shutdown defense, allowing only 2 shots in the third period, while scoring 4 goals in the third. Ryan Russell and Sean Collins each had two goals for the Falcons, while Allen York stopped 15 of 16 shots for the win.

The Pirates and Falcons have not played each other since February 16th, when Portland defeated Springfield 3-1 at the Mass Mutual Center. Mike Lee stopped 27 of 28 shots, and Boris Valabik scored his first goal for the Pirates en route to the victory. Michael Stone had two assists for the Pirates as well.

With a win this afternoon, the Pirates will jump back into 5th place in the Eastern Conference, passing the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with 2 games in hand. Portland currently has 81 points on the season and a magic number of 7 to clinch a playoff spot.

Tonight's 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 portlandpiratesradio.com and AHL Live. The pregame show starts at 6:40 with Jeff Mannix.

Tickets are still available by calling (207) 828-4665 ext. 350 or online at ticketmaster.com.

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