Pirates Fall Short in Milestone Game

Published on March 9, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Worcester, Massachusetts - Worcester's Tim Kennedy and John McCarthy had a goal and two assists each to lead the Sharks (26-21-4-7, 63 points, 8th Eastern Conference) to a 6-4 victory over the Portland Pirates (27-26-3-3, 60 points, 10th Eastern Conference) in front of 2,984 fans at the DCU Center. The defeat spoiled a two-goal effort from forward Ashton Rome in the Pirates 1,500th regular season game in franchise history.

The Sharks got on the board just 28 seconds into the game when Curt Gogul scored his fifth goal of the season on a wraparound with an assist from Ryan Del Monte.

Worcester doubled its lead when Brandon Mashinter batted the rebound of a McCarthy shot out of the air and past Portland goalie Justin Pogge at 12:43 of the first period to make it 2-0.

But, the Pirates answered just 59 seconds later when Mathieu Brodeur sent a low shot through the slot from the left point that was tipped by Brett Sterling for his 24th goal of the season and second in as many games since coming over from the Peoria Rivermen. Andy Miele also picked up an assist.

Portland then pulled even with a wraparound goal from Evan Bloodoff, his fourth of the season. The goal at 16:42 of the first was assisted by Brett Hextall and Jordan Szwarz.

But, Worcester took the lead for a good with a last minute goal to end the period. McCarthy's shot from the right circle bounced skipped off the ice in front of Pogge, then off the left post and into the goal for his 15th tally of the season. Assists on the goal, which came with only 37 seconds remaining in the first, came from Kennedy and Worcester goalie Tyson Sexsmith.

Pogge was lifted in favor of recently acquired Peter Mannino to start the second period, but he would give up a goal early in the second. Tony Lucia was able to jam a loose puck past Mannino after Mannino had stopped a Sena Acolatse wraparound attempt at 1:49 of the second period. Lucia's fifth goal of the year was assisted by Acolatse and Nathan Moon.

Moon would then score his tenth of the season later in the period when a centering feed from Jack Combs banked off of Moon's skate as he skated through the slot. Combs and Matt Pelech got the assists on the goal at 15:27 of the second period.

Rome would score early in the third period to bring Portland to within two with an unassisted goal at 2:45 after he forced a turnover in the offensive zone. It was Rome's fourth goal of the season and his first tally since November 23.

But, Kennedy would put Worcester ahead by three again when he riffled a wrist shot top shelf on Mannino for his ninth goal of the season at 6:44 with assists from McCarthy and Mashinter.

Rome would score one more for Portland at 16:59 with assists from Brodeur, his second helper of the game, and Kenndal McArdle.

The Pirates would pull the goalie in the final two minutes for a three-skater advantage after McCarthy and Kennedy both took late penalties. But, Sexsmith would stand tall and the Pirates got no closer.

Sexsmith stopped 38 shots in the win to improve to 12-10-7 on the season. Mannino gets the loss in relief for Portland. He made 22 saves on 25 shots and drops to 4-6-0. Pogge made 10 saves on 13 shots and gets a no-decision. Portland was 0-for-6 on the power play, while Worcester was 0-for-2.

The Fairway Mortgage 3 Stars of the Game were all from Worcester: 1. Kennedy; 2. McCarthy; 3. Gogul

Of the Pirates 1,500 regular season games in their 19-year history as a franchise, Portland has won 716 times, lost 554, tied 116, and lost beyond regulation 113 times.

The Portland Pirates return home tomorrow night to face the Manchester Monarchs at 7:00 p.m. It's Pirates Hall of Fame Night, Presented by UNUM. Brad Church will become the 16th member of the Pirates Hall of Fame during a first intermission induction ceremony. You can get your tickets by stopping by the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office, by calling 828-4665, EXT. 350, or by going online to portlandpirates.com.

Portland Pirates 20th Anniversary Season Tickets are now on sale! You can secure your seats for as low as $50! Season tickets include plenty of great perks! To find out more, call the Pirates Tickets Office at 828-4665, EXT 350 today! Official Sponsors of Winter Fun in Maine PORTLANDPIRATES.COM.



American Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2012


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