Johnson Shuts Out Monarchs, Pirates Win 4-0
11-25-12: Mark Visentin makes a save against Springfield (Photo courtesy of Ron Morin/ Ron’s Sports Photography)
Tonight the Portland Pirates tied the VIP Cup Series with the Manchester Monarchs in a 4-0 victory at the Verizon Wireless Arena. Goaltender Chad Johnson turned away all 11 shots thrown his direction through the first twenty minutes and Mark Visentin saved the remaining 21 thrown at him.
The Pirates and Monarchs went scoreless through the first twenty minutes of play with Chad Johnson making all 11 saves tossed in his direction. However, at the start of the second we would find Mark Visentin in between the pipes ready to play some Sunday matinee hockey. Along with playing in back-to-back games he was also able to register his first professional point as he assisted on the only goal scored in the period by Rob Klinkhammer.
Klinkhammer was on a hot streak this afternoon as he tallied another goal at 8:07 of the thirds, instilling a 2-0 lead for the Pirates. His second goal was assisted by Michael Stone and Alexandre Bolduc. Ethan Werek would go on to score the empty net goal to seal the deal that would also give Alexandre Bolduc a multi-point game along with Klinkhammer. Just for good measure, Darian Dziurzynski would add another empty netter for his first professional goal.
Mark Visentin earned his first shutout of his professional career and improved his record to 3-5-1 in relieving Johnson. The Pirates are now 10-9-2-1 on the season and sit in 4th place in the Atlantic Division with a 2-point advantage over the Providence Bruins.
The Pirates next game is Friday as they hit the road to take on the Binghamton Senators at 7:00pm. The game can be heard on online on the WLOB radio player and AHL Live.
Game Notes…
- Goaltending:
Chad Johnson saved all eleven shots he faced in the first period for Portland. Mark Visentin saved the remaining 21 shots of the game and registered his first official point with an assist to Rob Klinkhammer‘s goal as well as his first professional shutout. He improved his record to 3-5-1 and has a 2.91 goals against average and .909 save percentage, .001 better than Johnson.
Martin Jones saved 19 out of the 21 shots he faced. He has a record of 7-9-1 and a 2.43 goals against average and .919 save percentage.
- Power Play Opportunities-Portland 1 / 7; Manchester 0 / 5
- Shots on Goal: Portland 5-9-9 (23) Manchester 11-13-8 (32)
Three Stars of the Game:
- Rob Klinkhammer, 2 goals (Portland)
- Mark Visentin, 1 assist, shutout victory (Portland)
- Michael Stone, 1 assist (Portland)
*Note: All statistical information is courtesy of AHL.com, the Official Game Day Score Sheet and Text Box Score.