Pirates Weekly: Losing Two Of Three Drops Pirates In Division

A three game weekend for the Portland Pirates proved to be disappointing as the Pirates lost two of the three games and fell to second place in the Atlantic Division. 

Friday night vs. Springfield

The Pirates had been undefeated on home ice this season in regulation until the Springfield Falcons came to town. Springfield forward Michael Blunden scored what ended up being the game winning goal with 9:42 left in the third period to give the Pirates their first regulation home loss, 4-2. Paul Byron and Mark Mancari scored the two goals for the Pirates. 

Highlights from the game can be found here. 

Saturday night @ Manchester

The Pirates traveled to Manchester to take on the Monarchs and essentially laid an egg on the ice. Goaltender David Leggio was pulled after the first period after he allowed 4 goals on 16 shots in a 6-1 loss to the Monarchs. The win gave Manchester sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division. 

The lone goal for the Pirates was scored by Nick Crawford in the second period. Highlights from the game can be found here. 

Sunday afternoon @ Providence

The Pirates lone win of the weekend came against the Providence Bruins. Led by Mark Mancari's hat trick, the Pirates defeated the Bruins 5-1. Other goals came from Drew Schiestel and Corey Tropp. Goaltender Jhonas Enroth got the win making 33 saves. 

Following the jump, stats from the weekend and next week's schedule. 

Updated Statistics through the weekend

x - Indicates not on team

Injuries

Both Travis Turnbull and Mark Parrish injured themselves long term against the Springfield Falcons on Friday night. Turnbull injured his shoulder while Parrish injured his midsection. It isn't known how long these players will be out but the Pirates did sign Alaska Aces forward Ethan Cox as a replacement player until some players return.

Week Ahead

The Pirates will play two games this coming week, Saturday December 4th at home against the Norfolk Admirals and travel Sunday December 5th against the Worcester Sharks