Preview: St. John’s Ice Caps vs Portland Pirates

Mar 24, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone (26) warms up before the game against the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion. San Jose defeated Phoenix 4-3 in shootouts. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

Tonight thePortland Piratesare to host their first home game of the season at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland for their 20th season. They will be donning their old school, ’93-’94 Calder Cup season jerseys and playing against theSt. John’s Ice Caps.

Last weekend the Pirates played in two games and finished in a split defeating theBinghamton Senators4-2 in Lewiston Saturday night for their 6th annual Pink in the Rink. On Sunday they took on theSpringfield Falconsin Springfield and lost 3-2 withMichael StoneandEthan Werekscoring the only goals for the Pirates.

The Ice Caps, affiliate to theWinnipeg Jetsare also coming off of a split weekend defeating the contending Calder Cup ChampionNorfolk AdmiralsFriday night 3-2 then falling Saturday 2-0.

This is the third meeting of the season for these two teams with each team winning a game a piece, the Pirates with the latest victory, a 4-0 shut-out.Alexandre Bolduccontributed to the victory in scoring two goals and helpedChad Johnsonearn the first shut out since David Leggio on March 29, 2011.

Currently the Pirates stand 3-3-1-0 on the season so far with 7 points, just one point behind the Ice Caps in the Atlantic Division, the overtime loss on October 22 being the deciding factor.

Tonight the Pirates look to gain a point advantage in the standings with the puck dropping at 7:30PM ET. If you can’t make it to the game, be sure to listen on 95.9 WPEI-FM or watch it live onAHL Live.

Who’s Hot…

For Portland all eyes will be on the captainAlexandre Bolducwho is coming off of a six-game hot streak, scoring multiple points in four consecutive games. He was also named the ECHL’s MeiGray Alumni of the Month for October. Along with Bolduc forwardsChris ConnerandRob Klinkhammerhave had their fair share of points, Klinkhammer registering a hat trick and two assists against the Ice Caps in the 8-7 overtime loss earlier this season.

Taking a look at the opposing side,Zach Redmondshould be on the radar. He is tied for the team’s high-scorer and is looking to continue a scoring streak as he contributed in the scoring last weekend against the Admirals. Currently he has 3 goals and 2 assists in 8 games played for 5 points this season.

Goaltending…

Portland’sChad Johnsonhas played in 5 of the Pirates 7 games and has made 159 saves. He has a 4.02 GAA and .888 save %, with a 2-3 on the season.

The Ice Caps’Eddie Pasqualeis currently ranked 35th in the American Hockey League with a 3.05 GAA and .901 save%. He has starred in 6 of the 7 games for St. John and has a 2-4 record.

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