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Third Period Goals Propels Pirates Sweep of IceCaps

January 29, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Pirates (26-15-1-0) earned a clean sweep of the 2016 Eimskip Port-to-Port Challenge with a dominating 4-2 win over the St. John's IceCaps (19-16-6-3) Friday Night at Cross Insurance Area. The season series sweep is Portland's first of more than two games since the Pirates swept a four-game season series with the Norfolk Admirals last year.

The Pirates spread the scoring throughout the lineup as eight skaters registered at least one point. Forward Rocco Grimaldi scored twice in the third period, and AHL All-Stars Cameron Gaunce and Rob Schremp both collected goals in the contest.

Portland jumped out to 1-0 lead halfway through the first period when Gaunce sent the puck in behind IceCaps' netminder Eddie Pasquale.

Bud Holloway tied the contest for the IceCaps in the final minute of the second period, capitalizing on a five-on-three power play. It was Holloway's 12th of the season and first since being sidelined for four games.

The Pirates fired in three straight goals in third, including two by Grimaldi, to seal the win. St. John's received its second tally courtesy of Mark MacMillian who delivered an extra attacker goal with only three seconds left in the match.

Pasquale made 31 saves in the loosing effort and drops to 6-4-2 on the season.

Portland's Mike McKenna improves to 21-8-1 on the season, which is tied for third most in the league. McKenna's 27 saves in the winning effort brings the Gorham Savings Bank Saves for Charity total $8,130 so far this season.

The win improves Portland to 26-15-1-0, on the year, while St. John's dropped to 19-16-6-3.

The Pirates are on the road before the AHL All-Star Break, taking on the Springfield Falcons. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. Jeff Mannix calls all the action starting at 6:40 with the Pirates Pregame Show, served by Dunkin Donuts, on the WPEI Portland Pirates Radio Network, Presented by Napa Auto Parts, on 95.9/95.5 FM.

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 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.

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