Pirates Close Gap In VIP Series Defeating Monarchs 3-2

10-27-2012: Chad Johnson makes a save against the Binghamton Senators (Photo Courtesy of Ron Morin/ Ron’s Sports Photography)

This afternoon the Portland Pirates took on the Manchester Monarchs at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester where they closed the gap in the VIP series defeating them 3-2 in overtime.

While last night’s game proved to be more of a blood bath than it did a hockey game, tonight was a welcomed change of pace.  The Monarchs would get on the board first with Jake Muzzin scoring his first goal of the season as he put it past Chad Johnson.  Shortly after the Pirates were able to answer back as Oliver Ekman-Larsson evened the score.

Through the next twenty minutes the score would remain tied as neither team was able to convert in the second frame.  It wouldn’t be until 12:22 that Tyler Toffoli would get his 9th goal of the season and put the Monarchs up once again with less than half of the period remaining.  The lead wouldn’t last for long however as Pirates’ rookie Chris Brown would strike just a couple minutes later sending the game into overtime.

As the play got underway in the extra period it would only be a matter of seconds, 97 to be exact when David Rundblad would catch a pass from Andy Miele to net his second of the season and game-winning goal.  The overtime win moved Portland back up to the .500 mark and cut the Monarchs’ series lead 2-1.  It also gave them 2 more points in the standings earning them a 4 point weekend sealing 3rd place in the Atlantic Division.

The Pirates next game is Friday night when they face off against the Worcester Sharks once more, this time in their own building at 7:05PM ET.  The night will be their Teddy Bear Toss Night where fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears to throw onto the ice after the Pirates score their first goal.  Each bear thrown will be donated to Toys for Tots.

Game Notes…

Shots on Goal: POR 11-16-20-3 (50)  MAN 15-12-12-0 (39)

Power Play Opportunities: POR 1/2  MAN 0/4

Goaltending:

Chad Johnson (Portland):6-5-0: 37 saves out of 39 shots faced.

Martin Jones (Manchester): 7-7-1: 47 saves out of 50 shots faced.

Three Stars of the Game…

1. David Rundblad 1 Goal, 1 Assist (Portland)

2. Chris Brown 1 Goal (Portland)

3. Martin Jones 1 Assist (Manchester)

*All statistical information courtesy of AHL.com and the Official Game Sheet