Pirates Playoff Bound, Beat Bruins 6-5

Published on April 10, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, Maine - The Pirates clinched a playoff spot with a 6-5 win over the Providence Bruins at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Mathieu Darche took sole possession of the league lead by scoring his 10th game winning goal of the year.

It took the Pirates just 4:19 to get their first goal, as Mathieu Darche scored his 30th goal of the season by poking home a rebound in front. Tim Kennedy and Paul Baier picked up the assists. But less than two minutes later, Providence tied the game when Jeremy Reich took a pass and put a one timer up high to beat Jhonas Enroth. Reich's 20th goal tied the game at one at 6:06 of the first period. Brad Marchand and Denis Reul picked up the assists. The Pirates jumped back on top at 12:41 of the first when Nathan Gerbe took a pass from Mike Kostka in the high slot and beat Providence goaltender Kevin Nastiuk. Gerbe's 28th goal of the season came from Kostka and Kennedy on a power play. This time it took the Bruins a little under five minutes to answer as Wacey Rabbit whacked home a rebound for his 16th goal of the season at 17:14 of the first period. Martin St. Pierre and Jordan Knackstedt earned assists on the play. The Bruins struck again a little more than two minutes later to take the lead with under 20 seconds left in the first period. It was Jeremy Reich's 21st goal of the season from Brad Marchand and Martin St. Pierre at the 19:40 mark.

Portland fell further behind early in the second period with Brad Marchand picking up his 18th goal of the season at 5:49 of the second. Dan Ryder and Jordan Knackstedt had assists on the play. The Pirates kicked it back into high gear trailing 4-2 and cut it to a one goal game. Mark Mancari blasted a slap shot to the top shelf behind Nastiuk or his 29th goal of the season. The power play marker was assisted by Marek Zagrapan. Portland tied the game just a couple of minutes later when Colin Murphy deflected a shot for his 13th goal of the season. It came at 13:07 of the second period with Marc-Andre Gragnani and Marek Zagrapan getting the assists. Portland added another goal in the second period, striking in the final minute. Felix Schutz carried the puck wide on a rush and centered to Colton Fretter all alone in front. Fretter beat Nastiuk to score his 23rd goal of the season with Schutz and Bouck getting the assists at 19:42 of the second. The Pirates took a 5-4 lead into the third.

The Pirates added some breathing room on the power play as Mathieu Darche picked up his 31st goal of the year 5:58 into the third period from Mike Kostka and Felix Schutz. It would prove to be a key goal as Martin St. Pierre tallied at the 7:39 mark to cut the deficit to one goal at 6-5. Andrew Bodnarchuk and Dan Ryder picked up the helpers on the power play goal. Portland hung on for the 6-5 win, clinching a playoff spot. Pirates goaltender Jhonas Enroth made 17 saves on 22 shots and took the win. Bruins goaltender Kevin Nastiuk stopped 30 of 36 shots and took the loss.

Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the Game: 1. Mathieu Darche (POR) 2. Paul Baier (POR) 3. Jeremy Reich (PRO)

Notes: The Pirates clinched a playoff spot and jumped into third place in the Atlantic Division...Attendance: 3,034.

After the game, the Portland Pirates present the Year-End Player Awards, listed below:

Most Valuable Player: Jhonas Enroth This award is given to the Portland Pirates Player, as voted on by the fans, that is chosen as the Most Valuable Player for the 2005-06 season.

Most Popular Player: Nathan Gerbe This award is given to the Portland Pirates Player, as voted on by the fans, that is chosen as the Most Popular Player for the 2005-06 season.

Unsung Hero: Tim Kennedy This award is given to the Portland Pirates Player, as voted on by the fans, that is chosen as the Unsung Hero for the 2005-06 season.

Player's Player: Tyler Bouck This award is given to the Portland Pirates Player, as voted on by his teammates, that is chosen as the Player's Player for the 2005-06 season.

Ebright Award: Paul Baier This award is given to the Portland Pirates Player who has best exemplifies what it means to be a Portland Pirate, as envisioned by team founder, the late Tom E-bright, for the 2005-06 season.

Jack Button Award: Jhonas Enroth This award is given to the Portland Pirates Player that is chosen as the team's Top Prospect for the 2005-06 season.

Pirates Partner Award: Chris Dilios, Mark Warner, Theresa Horton This award is presented to an individual(s) that has shown commitment and dedication to the Portland Pirates organization and has preformed his or her role with a great attitude and proven ability to go above and beyond their duty.

Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars Award: Jhonas Enroth The Pirates player that has been awarded an Allied Home Mortgage Star of the Game the most amount of times this season.

UNUM Challenge Award Winner: Logan Jordan This award is given to the Pirates fan who guessed the correct shots total during the 10 game series between the Portland Pirates and the Worcester Sharks this season. Logan Jordan was chosen as the Grand Prize winner and received an official Pirates jersey during the post-game on-ice award ceremony.

The Pirates will be back in action tomorrow night as they travel to take on the Manchester Monarchs at 7:00 p.m. 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 April 10, 2009


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