Pirates Pick Up Giant Win Over Bears, 3-2

Published on February 8, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Hershey, PA - The Portland Pirates twice fought back from behind to grab a 3-2 road win over the Hershey Bears. Mike Kostka scored the game winning goal in the second period, and John DeCaro stopped all 15 third period shots Hershey sent his way to get the win.

It was a fast paced, high scoring first period as the Bears opened up the scoring just 2:24 into the game. Hershey had a power play and showed off its skill, as Alexandre Giroux sent a cross ice pass from the right side to the left hash mark for Keith Aucoin. The league's leading scorer sent it right back across to the right doorstep where Graham Mink one timed it home to put the Bears up 1-0. Portland answered a few minutes later when Dylan Hunter flung a shot on net from the left wing. Hershey goaltender Michal Neuvirth made the initial stop but Derek Whitmore followed the play for a rebound and jammed it home. Whitmore's 8th goal of the season was assisted by Dylan Hunter 6:50 into the first period. Hershey regained the lead a few moments later as Quintin Laing scored his ninth goal of the season from Andrew Gordon and Kyle Wilson 11:39 into the game. Portland once again battled back and Aaron Slattengren scored a goal remiscent of the Pirates first of the night. Nathan Gerbe got around a diving defensemen for a breakaway and cut across the crease with a deke and a backhander. Neuvirth stopped Gerbe, but left a rebound for Aaron Slattengren who buried it for his 7th goal of the season. Gerbe and Kyle Rank picked up assists at the 17:20 mark of the first.

In the second period, Portland continued the offensive as a delayed call allowed John DeCaro to head to the bench in favor of an extra attacker. The Pirates capitalized when Mike Kostka teed up a slap shot from the center of the blueline and beat Neuvirth for his fourth goal of the season. Mark Mancari and Marc-Andre Gragnani had the assists at the 8:17 mark of the second period, and the Pirates took a 3-2 lead into the third. John DeCaro then put the Pirates on his back and carried them across the finish line with a great performance in the third. He stopped all 15 Hershey shots in the hird period to pick up his first career AHL win by a final score of 3-2 Portland goaltender John DeCaro grabbed his first AHL win, stopping 37 of 39 shots. DeCaro is now 1-0-0 on the year. Hershey goaltender Michal Neuvirth made 25 saves on 28 shots, but took the loss.

Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the Game: 1. John DeCaro (POR) 2. Mike Kostka (POR) 3. Quintin Laing (HER)

Notes: John DeCaro notched his first AHL win with 37 saves in his first start with the Pirates... Jhonas Enroth's streak of consecutive starts ended at 10...Attendance: 8,226.

The Pirates will be back in action Tuesday at 7:00 in Buffalo, NY when they take on the Albany River Rats at HSBC Arena in a home game away from home. The Pirates next home game at the Cumberland County Civic Center is Friday, February 13th at 7:00 pm against the Worcester Sharks. Be sure to get to the game early, as the Pirates will give away Trevor Gillies bobbleheads, sponsored by Bath Savings Institution, to the first 2,000 fans in attendance.

It is also L.L. Bean Night. LL Bean provides their customers with a 100% guarantee on their quality products. On this one night only special, the Pirates will offer the same satisfaction guarantee. If fans are not satisfied with the quality of the hockey game or their overall experience, then the Pirates will replace their tickets with tickets to an upcoming game! No questions asked. It's that simple. It's a Pirates guarantee!

Fans can follow the Pirates on U.S. Cellular Pirates Radio Network or watch the game LIVE on the internet courtesy of AHL Live by clicking the icon on the left side of the home page. The U.S. Cellular Pirates Radio Network includes the Pirates flagship station, the Bay 1400AM and 1490AM (Portland) and affiliates WEZR 1240 AM (Lewiston-Auburn), WTME 780AM (Rumford) and WKTQ 1450AM (South Paris).

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American Hockey League Stories from February 8, 2009


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