Rau's Magic Leads Pirates to 4-3 Overtime Victory

January 2, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates (17-12-2-0) skated to a 4-3-overtime victory against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (16-16-1-2) Saturday night at the Cross Insurance Arena. It was the first meeting between the two teams this season.

The Phantoms applied heavy pressure early, Petr Straka fired in the game's first goal just fifteen seconds in putting Lehigh Valley up 1-0. Straka's 17th goal of the season was assisted by Tim Brent and Samuel Morin.

Rob Schremp snagged the loose puck midway through the period, and delivered it past Phantom's goaltender Anthony Stolarz, to knot the game up.

The Pirates almost had the lead on a shorthanded rush. Stolarz looked behind him, but the puck didn't make it through the five-hole.

Moments later, Stolarz tried to cover up a loose puck, but lifted his glove just enough for Portland's Garrett Wilson to poke it past him. Wilson's goal gave the Pirates their first lead of the game and was assisted by Wayne Simpson and Brett Olson.

With help from Schremp, Kyle Rau extended Portland's lead to 3-1 at 14:53 of the second frame. Schremp picked up the turnover in Lehigh Valley's defensive zone and made the play to Rau who sniped the puck past Stolarz.

Portland's two-goal lead did not last long. The Phantoms scored back-to-back goals from Mark Alt and Aaron Palushaj to erase the 3-1 deficit sending the game into overtime. Alt's goal from the point was assisted by Cole Bardreau and Tyrell Goulbourne.

Just 47 seconds later, Palushaj scored on a mini-breakaway with help from Taylor Leier and Andrew MacDonald.

Rau played the role of hero and scored the overtime winner with his second of the night for the 4-3 final. The forward collected the puck from a behind the back pass from Rocco Grimaldi for his 15th goal of the season at 1:46 left in overtime.

Stolarz made 28 saves to drop to 12-8-2, while Mike McKenna improves to 13-7-1 on the season.

McKenna's 29 saves in the winning effort brings the Gorham Savings Bank Saves for Charity total $3,780 so far this season. The overtime win improves Portland to 18-12-1-0, on the year, while Leigh Valley dropped to 16-16-2-1.

The Pirates conclude the series with the Phantoms on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Arena. Stick around after the game for the Pirates second L.L. Bean Post-game Skate of the season after the game. Get your tickets by calling 207-PIRATES or visit portlandpirates.com.



American Hockey League Stories from January 2, 2016


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