Pirates Win Thriller in Bridgeport

December 5, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Bridgeport, CT - It took the Portland Pirates (9-10-1-0) 59 minutes to beat Bridgeport Sound Tigers (14-9-1-0) goalie Stephon Williams, but once they finally did, they scored twice in 10 seconds to take an improbable come-from-behind 2-1 win Saturday night at Webster Bank Arena. The victory gave Portland five out of a possible six points from their three-game road trip.

The Pirates fell behind 1-0 in the final minute of the second period as Bracken Kearns snapped home a shot from the right circle past Pirates goalie Sam Brittain at 19:31 on the power play with assists from Sebastien Collberg and Jesse Graham. The goal broke a 160 minute, 39 second goalless drought for Bridgeport.

It appeared as though the goal would hold up until Kyle Rau rolled a rebound shot from the middle of the slot past Williams with 59.9 seconds on the clock. The goal, scored with an extra attacker, was assisted by Cameron Gaunce and Rob Schremp.

Off the ensuing faceoff, Garrett Wilson forced a Bridgeport turnover at the Sound Tiger blue line. He found John McFarland, who cut down the left wing and dragged from his backhand to his forehand to beat Williams just 10 seconds later and seal the win.

Brittain stopped 26 shots to grab his second straight victory and improve to 3-3-0 on the year. Williams, who was 60 seconds away from his second shutout of the season, stopped 31 and fell to 6-4-0.

Portland was 0-for-5 on the power play, while Bridgeport was 1-for-5.

The Pirates begin a four-game home stand, their longest of the season, this Wednesday night at Cross Insurance Arena when they host the Springfield Falcons at 7:00 p.m. On Friday night, it's Eric Weinrich Bobblehead Night, presented by Bath Savings Institution, as the Pirates host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 7:00 p.m. The first thousand fans through the gates will get the collectable Eric Weinrich Bobblehead, the first of three Pirates NHL Greats bobbleheads to be given away this season. On Saturday, December 12, the Pirates host Star Wars(tm) Night against the Providence Bruins at 7:00 p.m. The home stand concludes on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. against the Springfield Falcons. To get tickets for all four games, call us at 207-PIRATES!

And don't forget to give the gift of Portland Pirates hockey this holiday season with a Pirates Holiday Pack! Call the Pirates Ticket Office at 207-PIRATES!



American Hockey League Stories from December 5, 2015


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