SPRINGFIELD, Mass.

The Portland Pirates (41- 27-6-2) closed out the regular season by upending the Springfield Falcons (26-42-3- 5) by a score of 3-1 Sunday night at the MassMutual Center.

After playing scoreless through 40 minutes, Pirates defenseman Matt MacKenzie finally broke the deadlock at 4:28 of the third period when he shot a laser from the left point through traffic that beat goaltender Adin Hill. MacKenzie’s second of the season was assisted by Rob Flick and Wade Megan.

Sena Acolatse doubled the Pirates’ lead on the power play when he released a one-timer from the top of the left circle at 9:52 of the frame. The defenseman’s eighth goal of the season was assisted by Dylan Olsen and Rob Schremp.

Mike McKenna made a number of spectacular saves in the third period but lost his shutout bid when Craig Cunningham deposited a rebound into the back of the net to cut the lead in half 2-1.

Springfield pulled Hill for the extra attacker in an effort to tie the game with less than two minutes remaining. Connor Brickley proceeded to shoot in his 12th of the year into the empty to seal the game 3-1. Wayne Simpson was credited with the assist.

McKenna stopped 36 shots in the win, improving his record to 33-17-5. Hill made 36 saves in the loss, dropping his record to 1-2-0.

With the victory the Portland Pirates will face the Hershey Bears in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs. The Pirates will open the best-of-five series with two home games inside Cross Insurance Arena this upcoming Friday and Saturday. The Pirates and the Bears split their season series, with Portland winning both games at home and losing both on the road.