WORCESTER, Mass. – Twice since Dec. 26, the Portland Pirates and Worcester Sharks tried to play at The DCU Center.

Twice the game was postponed due to blizzard-like weather.

As far as the Pirates were concerned, the game should have been snowed out a third time, given Wednesday night’s performance.

Worcester prevailed, 5-3. But don’t be deceived by the final score because the Sharks led 3-0 after two periods during which they outshot Portland, 32-9.

This was the third consecutive game the Pirates played a solid third period after playing a lackluster first two.

“I would say these games have been fairly similar in that we let the pace of play get taken to us,” Pirates Coach Kevin Dineen said. “I don’t think we’ve had a lead in this building all year.

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“You walk out feeling like there was a strong work ethic because of the third period but overall I think there wasn’t enough responsibility and execution. There was a lot of hesitation in our game to start.”

The Pirates’ lack of execution was underscored in the first when they had a five-on-three advantage for 11/2 minutes and managed only one shot on goal.

“I take full responsibility for that,” Mark Mancari said. “I had tons of chances to get the puck through and always found a leg or a stick. I’ve got to be better than that.

“When you have power play after power play like we did, our special teams have to be better. And our power play definitely has been an issue lately. We’ve got to start buckling down there.”

Dineen agreed.

“When you have that much time on a five-on-three you think that’s going to be a really good opportunity for you,” Dineen said. “Not only was there some fumbling of the puck but there was some low-skill plays from some high-skill players.

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“When you have that kind of advantage, you at least need to generate some chances. When you’re able to kill off a five-on-three, I think you come back and have a lot of oomph and they certainly did.”

Worcester commenced generating some “oomph” at 16:28 when Brandon Mashinter scored on a power play.

Andrew Desjardins made it 2-0 at 13:41 of the second by deflecting a Dan DaSilva pass by Jhonas Enroth (32 saves) and Justin Braun made it 3-0 just 27 seconds later.

Igor Gongalsky finally beat Alex Stalock at 2:44 after a turnover in Worcester’s zone but Tom Wingles countered at 5:23.

Derek Whitmore’s power-play goal and Mancari’s 19th sliced Portland’s deficit to 4-3 with 2:41 left. But T.J. Trevelyan iced it by scoring into an empty net.

NOTES: Defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani, who had a team-record tying five assists Friday against Worcester, was recalled before the game by Buffalo. … Gragnani has 7 goals and 23 assists for 30 points in 38 games with Portland. … Luke Adam returned to Portland’s lineup after playing 18 games with Buffalo.

 


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