Pirates Ring in New Year With 2-1 Win Over Admirals

Published on December 31, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates rung in the New Year with a 2-1 win over the Norfolk Admirals. Jhonas Enroth made 31 saves to lead the Pirates to the win, while Trent Campbell scored his first career AHL goal.

Portland goaltender Jhonas Enroth was the story of the first period, as the Pirates were outshot 13-6, but Enroth was perfect and kept the game scoreless. In the second period though, Norfolk would finally solve Enroth.

Just over five minutes into the second frame, Enroth made the initial save on a Ty Wishart shot but Chris Gratton drove to the net and slammed the rebound home to give his Admirals a 1-0 lead. The Pirates would come back strong late in the period, as Mark Mancari scored his 13th goal of the year on a power play. Portland had a flurry of chances in front, and Marek Zagrapan cut off the clearing attempt and poked it to Mancari. The Pirates leading scorer then beat McKenna to even the game at one. Zagrapan and Mathieu Darche picked up assists on the play. A few minutes later, Portland took the lead as Colton Fretter threw a shot on net from the right wing and Trent Campbell poked the loose puck past McKenna for his first career AHL goal. Fretter and Paul Baier picked up assists on the play and the Pirates took a 2-1 lead into the second intermission.

In the third period, Jhonas Enroth maintained his form turning aside nine Admirals shots to preserve the 2-1 Pirates win.

Jhonas Enroth improves to 12-6-2 on the year after stopping 31 of 32 shots he faced. Former Pirate Mike McKenna made 28 saves on 30 shots and took the loss.

Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the Game: 1. Jhonas Enroth (POR) 2. Trent Campbell (POR) 3. Mike McKenna (NOR)

Notes: The Pirates capped off a perfect month at home, improving to 5-0-0-0... Trent Campbell scored his first AHL goal...Mathieu Darche has a six game point streak...Attendance: 6,374.

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American Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2008


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