WHO: Connecticut Whale (19-10-1-3, 1st in AHL’s Northeast Division) at Portland Pirates (15-2-2-3, 4th in Atlantic Division)

WHEN: 1 p.m.

WHERE: Cumberland County Civic Center

RADIO: WPPI-FM (95.5), WPEI-FM (95.9)

WHALE NOTES: The Whale, who have lost their last three road games, pulled out a 3-2 overtime win Nov. 23 in their first game of the season against the Pirates. In that game, defenseman Tim Erixon assisted on all three goals. Right wing Andreas Thuresson has scored a goal in each of his last two games, while defenseman Brendan Bell and forward Pavel Valentenko each have two-point goal streaks. The parent New York Rangers recently added veteran forward Sean Avery.

PIRATES NOTES: The Pirates have points in eight of their last 10 games. Center Brock Trotter has a point in nine of the last 10 games, while forward Brett MacLean has points in 11 of the last 15 games. After a 17-game scoring drought, rookie forward Brett Hextall has points in three of his last four games. Ryan Duncan, a forward in his first AHL season, has scored a goal in each of his last two games. While making four consecutive starts, goalie Justin Pogge has allowed 10 goals.

– Paul Betit


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