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Pirates Gain Point in Hartford

March 18, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Hartford, CT - The Portland Pirates (31-24-4-2) extended their road regulation unbeaten streak to four games, but couldn't break out of their winless funk in March as Niklas Jensen completed a hat trick 1:23 into overtime to lift the Hartford Wolf Pack (33-27-2-0) to a 4-3 victory Friday night at the XL Center and pull into a fifth-place tie with Portland in the Atlantic Division. The Pirates, however, remain in fifth spot because they hold one game in hand on the Wolf Pack. The overtime defeat extended Portland's winless streak to seven games.

The Pirates started the scoring 12:44 into the first period as Rob Schremp scored an unassisted goal to capture the 400th point of his professional career on his 18th goal of the season. He collected a giveaway by Hartford defenseman Brady Skjei and beat Magnus Hellberg with a quick snapshot.

Hartford then turned the score line around in the second period as former Pirate Chris Brown notched his fourth of the season 6:24 into the period, redirecting a Marek Hrivik pass. Raphael Diaz also got an assist, his first of two on the night.

The Wolf Pack got the lead in the final minute of the second when Jensen netted his first of the night, his 13th of the season, again off a Hrivik pass. Daniel Paille also picked up a helper.

Chase Balisy tied the game for the Pirates 5:50 into the third period, burying a pass from MacKenzie Weegar after the defenseman circled the net. Connor Brickley also got an assist on the play.

Brickley then gave Portland the lead again at 9:38 on a breakaway after the Wolf Pack turned the puck over at the Portland blue line. Brickley's sixth goal of the season was unassisted.

Hartford clawed their way back even when Jensen pounced on a loose puck in the left circle and backhand it by Mike McKenna at 12:16 with assists from former Pirate Luke Adam and Diaz on the power play goal.

Jensen then completed his hat trick on a one-timer from the right circle, set up by Hrivik and Mat Bodie.

McKenna (25-14-5) made 35 stops and takes the overtime defeat, while Hellberg (25-16-2) saved 27 shots to claim the victory.

Portland was 0-for-2 on the power play while Hartford capitalized once in four attempts.

The Pirates are back in action tomorrow night as they take on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers from Webster Bank Arena. Game time is 7:00 p.m. Join Jeff Mannix on the WPEI Portland Pirates Radio Network, Presented by Napa Auto Parts on 95.9/95.5 FM for all the action, starting with the Pirates Pregame Show, Served by Dunkin Donuts, at 6:40.

The playoff push continues as the Pirates return home to host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Get tickets to the final WINsday of the season. Select seats are buy-one-get-the second ticket for just a dollar! Fans can exchange tickets from the last WINsday on January 27 for a free ticket. Hot dogs from the Cross Insurance Arena concessions stands will also be just $1 all night long! To get your One Dollar WINSday tickets today, call 207-PIRATES!

The Pirates round out the weekend hosting the Springfield Falcons for a two-game series starting Friday night at 7:00 p.m, which is the Pirates' annual Pink in the Rink game, presented by TD Bank. The Pirates will be wearing special pink jerseys to be auctioned off to support the American Cancer Society after the game. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to Friday's game. And, start your Friday early with Happy Hour on the CN Brown Landing, starting at 4:56 p.m., including special Happy Hour pricing, $4 beer, $5 apps, and $6 cocktails! For tickets and more information call 207-PIRATES.

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