PORTLAND, Maine – The Binghamton Senators opened the Atlantic Division Finals at the Cumberland County Civic Center tonight, nabbing an early series lead with a 3-2 triumph over the Portland Pirates. The win was the B-Sens first of the postseason to come in regulation. All four victories over the Manchester Monarchs in the division semifinals came in overtime.
Zack Smith scored the game winner, his first goal of the post season, at 7:35 of the third to break a 2-2 tie.
Andre Benoit and Ryan Potulny each finished the night with two points as both players earned a pair of assists.
Captain Ryan Keller and rookie Bobby Butler rounded out the scoring for Binghamton, while reigning American Hockey League MVP Corey Locke returned to the B-Sens line-up tonight, earning an assist in his post-season debut after missing the division semifinals due to injury.
Maxime Legault and Colin Stuart each scored for the Pirates, who suffered their first home loss of the post season.
Robin Lehner made his fourth straight start in goal for Binghamton, turning away 33 of 35 shots faced to improve to 4-0 in the post season.
The B-Sens and Pirates return to the ice in Portland tomorrow for Game 2 of the best-of-seven Atlantic Division Finals. Puck drops at 7 p.m.
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