PORTLAND, Maine – Portland’s playoff success against the Providence Bruins was noted in the series preview, however, it was also noted the P-Bruins usually start well against the Pirates before fading. Well, that positive note can be scratched from list too after Providence fell at home to Portland by a 3-0 count in the first game of this series. The Pirates, who have historically stumbled out of the gates in game one’s with a 10-13 record, shrugged off some early Providence pressure and got on the board first. Portland netminder Jonas Enroth shined in his first professional playoff game and kept his club ahead until an insurance goal was purchased in the third period. Marek Zagrapan broke open the scoring when he deflected Mark Mancari’s shot over Providence Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask’s right shoulder. The goal came just four minutes and 23 seconds into the game and it would hold for nearly two periods. While Providence held territorial play in the period, thanks in part to two power play chances, they were unable to dent Enroth for a tying goal. The two clubs played tightly and with emotions in check although Portland’s Kyle Rank and Providence’s Ned Lukacevic had a dispute shortly after Zagrapan’s goal.When all was said and done the Pirates only had one chance on the power play while Providence had three. All of the chances would prove to be unsuccessful as the teams penalty-killing units, while lightly tested, were perfect. After the first period the Pirates gained control of play and outshot the hometown Bruins by a 22-13 margin. Despite the advantage Portland could not get another puck past Rask for a long period of time until the Bruins goaltender did himself in with an unforced error. Early in the third period Rask went behind his goal to handle the puck and he was intercepted by Portland’s Felix Schutz. Schutz gathered the puck and jammed it into the goal with just 1:42 expired in the frame. The two-goal lead held until Zagrapan teamed up with Mancari again for an empty-net goal with under a minute left in the contest. If this series is going to become a battle of goaltenders both teams can go away from this game relatively assured they will receive good play. Enroth was outstanding as he came away with the shutout and 28 saves while Rask played much better than he did in last season’s series against the Pirates while making 30 stops. The two clubs will rest on Thursday and then face off for game two in Providence on Friday night. Contact tom.schettino@prohockeynews.com Catch all the playoffs at Intotheboards.net
You must be logged in to post a comment.