The Portland Pirates, already saddled with the worst record in the American Hockey League, are trying to find some end-of-the-season footing to carry some positive vibes into the offseason.
Through one period Friday, they held their own against playoff-bound Springfield. But as has been their wont for most of the season, the lead evaporated later in the game.
Five different Springfield skaters scored Friday, and Anton Forsberg stopped 27 of 29 shots as the Falcons cruised to a 5-2 win over the Pirates.
The game started well for Portland (24-37-3-8), who managed a 2-1 lead through the first frame on goals by Ethan Werek and Tim Kennedy to answer a Cody Goloubef tally. The Pirates outshot the Falcons 9-7 in the period.
But a pair of power-play goals in the second period put Springfield back in front for good. Marko Dano tied the game on the power play with 13:45 left in the middle frame with his sixth goal of the year for the Falcons.
Officials then awarded Springfield two penalty shot attempts on two different infractions, but Louis Domingue stopped them both, becoming the first goaltender in the AHL to do so since Wade Dubielewicz on Dec. 10, 2005.
Domingue was peppered with shots toward the end of the frame, as Patrick McNeill gave the Falcons a 3-2 lead with just over a minute left in the second period on the power play.
The Falcons pulled away in the third on goals from Carter Camper and Dana Tyrell. Former Lewiston Maineiac Michael Chaput had three assists, four shots on goal and was a plus-1.
The Pirates finish their 2013-14 road schedule Saturday as they head to Manchester to face the Monarchs. The Pirates’ final three games are at home, currently scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. (Norfolk), Wednesday at 7 p.m. (Albany) and Saturday, April 19 at 7 p.m. (St. John’s).
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