Special Teams Power Falcons over Pirates

January 30, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Springfield, MA - The Portland Pirates (26-16-1-0) dropped a frustrating 6-2 decision to the Springfield Falcons (17-22-2-3) Saturday night at the Mass Mutual Center. The Pirates were looking to head into the AHL All-Star Break on a high note but the Falcons had other plans, scoring two power play goals and adding one shorthanded. Defenseman Corey Potter led the way with a four point night on two goals and two assists.

Despite getting outshot 13-8, Springfield had the only two goals of the first period. The Falcons opened the scoring on the power play as 11:20 as Craig Cunningham scored his 10th of the season. Corey Potter and Dustin Jeffery were credited with the assists.

Former Pirate Greg Carey doubled the lead minutes later with help from Justin Hache. The forward walked into the slot and buried the wrist shot just below the cross bar on Portland netminder Sam Brittain for his 16th of the season at the 15 minute mark.

The Falcons added a tally early in the third period on the power play. Michael Bunting netted his 6th of year tipping in a former Pirates Philip Samuelsson shot from the left point at 3:24. That was the end of the night for Brittain as he was exchanged for AHL All-Star Mike McKenna.

Springfield was carrying the momentum as Phil Lane struck 59 seconds later to extend the lead 4-0. Jeffery and Cunningham were credited with the assists.

Rob Flick cut the lead 4-1 with his fifth of the year one a one-timer. Chase Balisy fed the forward the puck, who alone in the slot. Jonathan Racine was credited with the second assist.

MacKenzie Weegar brought the score to a 4-2 margin with his fifth goal of the season at 7:07 of the third period with Kyle Rau assisting.

Potter responded with a rip from the right point through traffic at 9:24 of the third, with assists from Eric Selleck and Stefan Fournier. Potter finished it off with and empty net goal while shorthanded from his own goal line with 3:46 left for the 6-2 final score line.

Special teams were the difference on the night as the Pirates were held 0-for-6 on the power play while the Falcons capitalized twice in their three attempts.

Niklas Treutle stopped 33 shots and improves to 9-11-3 on the season. Brittain made eight saves, dropping to 5-8-0 so far this season. McKenna saved nine shots in his relief effort.

The loss drops Portland to 26-16-1-0, on the year, while the Falcons improve to 17-22-5.

The Pirates return home to Cross Insurance Arena to take on the Hartford Wolf Pack on Friday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. Friday is Hockey Night in Portland. Show a valid college ID at the Trusted Choice Box Office and get $4 off a main deck ticket courtesy of Sun Tan City.

Saturday is Puck for Paws Night presented by IDEXX as the Pirates face off against the Providence Bruins. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. Bring an item to donate to the Greater Portland Animal Refuge league and receive a pair of tickets to a future Pirates game. Call 207-PIRATES or visit PortlandPirates.com tickets and more information.



American Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2016


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