PROVIDENCE, RI – The Providence Bruins defeated their nemesis, the Portland Pirates Friday night 2-1 to even their series at a game apiece, before a raucous Dunkin’ Donuts Center crowd. Providence was able to crank up the offense and finally beat Pirate goalie Jhonas Enroth when Vladimir Sobotka was able to slip one by the outstanding netminder at 2:01 of period two. A clear in off the boards by defenseman Johnny Boychuk was grabbed by Brad Marchand who found Sobotka in front of the net. That was the P-Bruins first goal of the series and that goal held up until Tyler Bouck scored a shorthanded goal at 3:33 in the third period. Bouck was set up by an assist from Derek Whitmore.
The game featured up-and-down action with both Enroth and Bruin goaltender Tuukka Rask denying numerous scoring opportunities. At the 10:23 mark of the third period, Providence captain Jeremy Reich scored from outside the faceoff circle on a blast that looked like it beat Enroth over his left shoulder. It was Reich’s first playoff goal ever as a member of the Providence Bruins and it proved to be the game winner. His goal came with assists to linemate Wacey Rabbit and d-man Adam McQuaid.
Providence was scoreless in five chances on the power play while Portland was also scoreless on the power play misfiring on six attempts.
Reich was named the first star, Rask was the second star, and Enroth who faced 40 shots was superb and was named the third star of the game. Game three is Sunday night in Portland followed by game four on Thursday April 23rd also in Portland. There will be a game five back at the “Dunk” on Friday April 24th.
Contact Thomas.chace@prohockeynews.com
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