Every week Die by the Blade will take a look at how things are going on the farm with the Portland Pirates.  We will discuss their games from the previous week and take a look at the team leaders.  We will post a three stars of the week and ask for your comments on the team.

The Portland Pirates are off to a rough start this season.  They hoped the play of Jhonas Enroth would be a key this season and it has been in a negative manner.  Enroth has struggled in the early part of the season and was pulled from the 4-0 loss to Lowell on Sunday.

The Good

• Nathan Gerbe had two goals and an assist in his three games this week.  He may get a chance in Buffalo with Vanek out of the lineup but I would guess it would take another injury to see him in Buffalo.
• Mark Mancari is finally getting to into form after missing the pre-season.  He had a goal and two assists in the Pirates win on Saturday night.
• The Pirates victory came after trailing 2-0.  They outscored Providence 4-0 and outshot them 29-18 in the final two periods.
• J.P. Lamoureaux stopped all 18 shots he faced in relief of Enroth on Sunday night.  Lamoureaux is expected to earn his first AHL start this weekend.

The Bad

• The Pirates lost two out of three last weekend and have started the season 1-3-0.
• Portland was outscored 9-2 in their two road losses last weekend.

The Ugly

• Jhonas Enroth stat line...11 GA, 1-2-0 record and 76-87 shots.

Three Stars of the Week

1. Nathan Gerbe -  2G-1A-3P
2. Mark Mancari -  1G-2A-3P
3. Paul Byron -  1G-1A-2P