Portland Blanks Providence in Game One

April 15, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PROVIDENCE, RI - Pirates forward Marek Zagrapan scored two goals and Jhonas Enroth made 28 saves as Portland Pirates earned a 3-0 victory over the Providence Bruins on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Atlantic Division Semifinal at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. The Pirates lead the best-of-seven series 1-0. Game 2 is Friday night in Providence at 7:05 p.m.

In the opening period, the Pirates established an early lead at the 4:23 mark on Marek Zagranpan's 1st goal of the postseason. Pirates forward Mark Mancari entered the offensive zone on the right wing wall and drilled a wrist shot toward the net. The shot was quickly redirected off the stick of Zagrapan and past the right shoulder of Providence goalie Tuukka Rask.

After a scoreless second period, the Pirates took at 2-0 lead at the 1:42 mark of the third period on Felix Schutz's 1st goal of the postseason. Schutz was able to capitalize on a miscue behind the net by Providence goalie Tuukka Rask, then stole the puck along the left side goal line and fired the puck into the vacant net.

Marek Zagrapan tallied his second goal of the night late in the game when the Bruins pulled Tuukka Rask for the extra attacker. Zagrapan helped disrupt a Providence breakout at the blue line and then fired the biscuit into the back of the empty net. The goal was assisted by Mark Mancari, his second assist of the night.

Portland's Jhonas Enroth made 28 saves in the shutout. Providence's Tuukka Rask made 30 saves in the loss.

Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the Game: 1. Jhonas Enroth (POR) 2. Marek Zagrapan (POR) 3. Tuukka Rask (PRO)

Notes: Chris Butler was returned on loan to the Pirates earlier in the day. The Pirates are 7-2 when winning the first game of a playoff series. The Pirates are now 10-13 all time in Game 1 of a playoff series. Looking ahead, the Pirates are 11-10 in Game 2 of a playoff series. Attendance: 4,283.

The Pirates return to action on Friday, April 17th against the Providence Burins for Game 2 of the Atlantic Division Semifinal. Face off is set for 7:05 p.m. Fans can listen to Portland Pirates playoff broadcasts exclusively at ahllive.com and over the phone courtesy of TEAMLINE. For details, visit portlandpirates.com.

The Pirates next home game is on Sunday, April 19th against the Providence Bruins for Game 3 of the Atlantic Division Semifinal. Fans can purchase tickets by calling the Pirates offices at (207) 828-4665 ext. 350. Fans can listen to Portland Pirates playoff broadcasts exclusively at ahllive.com and over the phone courtesy of TEAMLINE. For details, visit portlandpirates.com.



American Hockey League Stories from April 15, 2009


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