Pirates Look to Crunch Syracuse in Playoff Opener

Published on April 27, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates open their first playoff series since 2011 tonight as they travel to Syracuse to face the Crunch in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM from the Onondaga War Memorial Arena. This will be the first of a five game series between the 3rd seed Crunch and the 6th seed Pirates. These two teams have never faced off in the playoffs before, but the Pirates lead Syracuse in the all-time head to head matchups with a record of 10-6-0.

The Pirates lost their last battle of the season 4-1 against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at Webster Bank Arena. Portland finished the season at 41-30-3-2 giving them the 2nd in the Atlantic Division and 6th spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pirates were led by consistent play from forward Andy Miele, who finished the regular season with 53 points to lead the team. Forward Alexandre Bolduc, currently on recall with the Phoenix Coyotes, had 51 points in 56 games played to finish 2nd on the team in points, while Chris Brown led the AHL in goals as a rookie with 29.

The Syracuse Crunch lost their final game of the season by a 5-1 score against the Binghamton Senators on their home ice. Syracuse had a strong season, finishing with a record of 43-22-6-5 to win the East Division and lock up the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference. The Crunch were led by AHL MVP Tyler Johnson, who finished the season with 65 points in 62 games, and Brett Connolly who finished with 63 points in 71 games. Johnson finished 8th in the AHL in scoring, while Connolly was right behind in 9th.

The Pirates have not faced the Syracuse Crunch since 2010, when the Pirates were affiliated with the Buffalo Sabres and the Crunch were affiliated with Anaheim Ducks. Syracuse defeated Portland 4-3 in a controversial game on March 6th, 2010 in their last meeting. The Pirates and Crunch have not met in the playoffs during their respective histories.

This is the first playoff appearance for the Pirates since the 2010-11 season, and the first appearance by a Phoenix Coyotes affiliate since 2008. Portland is 70-68 all time in the postseason, with their lone Calder Cup Championship coming in their inaugural 1993-94 season.

Tonight's game can be heard on AM 1310 WLOB, online at portlandpiratesradio.com, and on AHL Live. Pregame show starts at 7:10 with the voice of the Pirates, Jeff Mannix.

WHAT: Game 1, Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Series (Best of 5)

WHO: Portland Pirates vs. Syracuse Crunch

WHERE: Onondaga War Memorial Arena, Syracuse NY

WHEN: 7:30 PM EDT (7:10 Pregame show)

RADIO/WEB: AM 1310 WLOB, PortlandPiratesRadio.com, AHL Live

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American Hockey League Stories from April 27, 2013


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