Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

A bounce-back victory for Pirates

Portland regains its footing after three tough losses last weekend and continues its success against Manchester.

By Paul Betit pbetit@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

PORTLAND — After missing the last three games because of injuries, Portland Pirate forwards Brad Larsen and Tyler Ennis got right back into the swing of things Friday night.

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Pirates defenseman Mike Weber blocks a shot in front of goalie Jhonas Enroth while Gabe Gauthier of the Manchester Monarchs looks on Friday night at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Enroth made 29 saves as Portland earned a 4-0 victory.

Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer

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Pirates defenseman Joe DiPenta, left, squares off with Manchester’s Marc-Andre Cliche – one of four fights in the third period of Portland’s 4-0 victory at the Civic Center.

Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer

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COMING UP

TODAY: Binghamton Senators at Pirates, 7 p.m. (Time Warner Channel 9)

SUNDAY: Springfield Falcons at Pirates, 4 p.m.

Each had a goal and an assist as the Pirates snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-0 win against the Manchester Monarchs before 5,656 fans at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

The Pirates opened a four-game homestand Friday night after losing three straight games by one goal during a trip through Connecticut and New York last weekend.

We just learned from last week," said Larsen, who missed all three losses because of a groin injury. "Three one-goal games, as tight as it is, we can't afford to have a weekend like that. We've got a stretch at home here, and we really want to play well."

The Pirates dominated the first period, holding a 17-5 edge in shots. Then they took control in the second period, scoring three goals to build a 4-0 advantage.

"We came back (home) and got off to a nice start," said Larsen, who opened the scoring with his 10th goal on a power play late in the first period.

"I thought we got a little sloppy in the middle, but we built ourselves a nice cushion."

It was Portland's fifth win in seven games this season against Manchester, which would be the Pirates' first-round opponent if the playoffs started today. The teams will play each other three more times before the end of the regular season.

"We play against each other a lot," Portland Coach Kevin Dineen said. "Personnel-wise, they are a very worthy opponent."

The Pirates broke it open with two goals in the first four minutes of the second period.

Jeff Cowan put in a blast from the top of the left circle for his 17th goal of the season, just 23 seconds into the period.

Paul Byron made it 3-0 with a power-play goal at 3:21, sticking a rebound into the right side of the net.

Ennis, the AHL's leading rookie scorer, barely beat the buzzer at the end of the period to score his 19th goal of the season on a breakaway. The Pirates' third power-play goal came after Larsen won a faceoff in the defensive zone.

"We knew we had only seven seconds, so we kind of drew up a little play," Ennis said. "They lined up kind of weird, so I had a lot of room. They kind of sprung me on the breakaway, and it worked out.

"I heard everybody yelling 'shoot, shoot,' but I figured I had a little time left so I kept it a couple more seconds. I looked up after I shot and saw that there were only 0.8 seconds left."

Jhonas Enroth finished with 29 saves and posted his fifth shutout of the season.

"We really had a big edge in play in the early part of the game," Dineen said. "But really, the guys stuck with the game plan. Everybody on the bench had good jump, and it was the difference maker."

NOTES: Center Felix Schutz and defenseman Drew Schiestel were healthy scratches for the Pirates. The Pirates will hold their annual Teddy Bear toss during Sunday's game against Springfield.

Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 791-6424 or at:

pbetit@pressherald.com