Sharks Rally to Top Pirates

Published on March 22, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME ‚¬" John McCarthy netted the game-winning goal 16 seconds into the extra overtime period and Worcester stormed back from a first period three-goal deficit as the Sharks topped the Portland Pirates 5-4 in an American Hockey League game played today in front 5,108 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

Patrick Davis, Dan DaSilva, Nick Schaus, and Joe Loprieno all tallied goals for Worcester as their record improved to 33-26-4-8 and moved within one point of a playoff spot.

Corey Tropp, Derek Whitmore, Dennis McCauley, and Paul Byron all scored for Portland as their three-game winning streak came to an end on a day where they would have clinched a playoff spot with a regulation or overtime victory. The Pirates record fell to 43-18-6-2 with the loss but extended their divisional lead over Manchester to three points.

Portland struck early and often in the first period, led by a Tropp goal only 13 seconds into the game. Tropp ‚¬â„¢s tally set a new franchise record for Portland for quickest goal, topping the mark set by Mark Murphy on November 24, 2000 against the Quebec Citadelles (14 seconds). Whitmore and McCauley extended the lead to three with goals one minute apart, before Davis put the Sharks on the board with a shorthanded goal at 17:38. Special teams struck again for Worcester as DaSilva notched a power-play goal three minutes into the second period to cut the lead to one, but Byron would double the Portland advantage two minutes later. Schaus again trimmed the Portland lead at 12:29 of the second to make the score 4-3 Pirates heading into the final period. Loprieno struck late in the third with a tally at 16:37, and McCarthy finished the comeback in overtime to give the Sharks their second straight victory.

The Sharks out-shot the Pirates 31-28 as Worcester goaltender Carter Hutton improved his record to 9-4-2. Portland netminder David Leggio made 26 saves as his overall record dropped to 21-6-0.

The Allied Home Mortgage Three Stars of the game were: 1. McCarthy, 2. Loprieno and 3. Byron.

The Pirates will return to action at the Civic Center this weekend, starting on Friday, March 25th when the Bridgeport Sound Tigers come to town for a 7 p.m. start. The first 1,000 fans into the game receive a free toothbrush courtesy of Northeast Delta Dental and Snoopy will be in attendance courtesy of MetLife Auto and Home. All Gritty ‚¬â„¢s Mug Club Members can take advantage of exclusive special discounts. Visit portlandpirates.com to find out how you can become a Gritty ‚¬â„¢s Mug Club Member.

Come back to the Civic Center on Saturday, March 26th for a special night, featuring the induction of Martin Gendron into the Pirates Hall of Fame, presented by UNUM. Gendron will be the 14th member of the Pirates Hall of Fame, following the recent additions of Chris Jensen, Tom Ebright, and Jim Carey. The Pirates and the Pine Tree Council will be hosting Boy Scouts from across the state of Maine for the annual Boy Scout Sleepover. Special admission for Boy Scouts and their family and friends includes game ticket, private post-game skating party, and a movie on the center-ice videoboard. It is also the Pirates Night of Champions, as all state championship athletes and coaches can receive complimentary tickets to the game and be recognized throughout the game. Discounted tickets for family, friends, and faculty are available for $7.00 off the regular price. For more information or to purchase tickets call the Pirates ticket office at 207-828-4665 ext. 317 (for Boy Scouts) or ext. 328 (for Night of Champions discounts).

Tickets for the game, as well as each of the remaining Pirates home games, are on sale now by calling 207-775-3458, visiting the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office or on-line at ticketmaster.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2011


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