MaineToday.com | Portland Pirates

MaineToday.com photo by Wendy Almeida They need wins, and this is one
Rookie goalie David McKee has stopped 101 of 106 shots since joining the Pirates last weekend and earned his fourth consecutive win. He was named the number one star of the game. Seen team was there; were you?

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PIRATES NEWS

Pirates plagued by little stability
Injuries, call-ups and a goalie problem helped contribute to a sixth-place finish this season.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates' failure leads to apology
Brian Burke, the Anaheim GM, says Portland missed the playoffs despite 'prodigious efforts.'
Portland Press Herald

It's scatter time for the Pirates
The season's over and some players are heading home while others will be backups in Anaheim.
Portland Press Herald

Call-ups to Anaheim mean the season goes on for some
The season didn't end Sunday for a number of Portland Pirates.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates finish with a flourish
Portland's season ends on a high note with a strong showing against playoff-bound Hartford.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates end Devils' playoff chances
Portland plays a strong all-around game and beats Lowell in its next-to-last game of the season.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates have a devil of a time
Lowell wins 2-0, and Portland, already eliminated, has two games remaining this weekend.
Portland Press Herald

A chance to turn heads
Ray Jean of Gardiner got a call to become a Pirates backup goalie, and hopes to make the most of it.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates finally out of options
Portland's chances for a berth in the AHL playoffs end with a loss against Manchester.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates' playoff hope fading
Manchester tops Portland to nearly clinch the division title, while the Pirates need some help.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Familiar faces in Anaheim
A number of former Pirates may play big roles as the Ducks open the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates beaten to end streak
Hartford pulls away late in the game as Portland loses 7-4 after winning five in a row.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitRyan quickly shows he belongs
It didn't take Bobby Ryan long to move into the professional hockey ranks for good.
Portland Press Herald

Nelson enters Pirates' hall
Todd Nelson is the eighth member of the 1995 Calder Cup-winning team in Portland's hall of fame.
Portland Press Herald

They need wins, and this is one
Still scrambling for a playoff spot, the Pirates pick up two crucial points by beating Springfield.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates cruise by Springfield to stay in chase
Portland wins its fourth straight game on the road to keep alive its hopes to qualify for the playoffs.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Rookie goalie provides a boost
David McKee makes 36 saves in Portland's 3-1 win at Lowell, tightening the race for a playoff berth.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates win on McKee shutout
David McKee makes an impression and Sean Blanchard scores twice.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitPirates' new goalie worked for his call-up
After carrying the Augusta Lynx of the ECHL on his back for the past few months, rookie goalie David McKee has been rewarded with a trip to the AHL to play for the Portland Pirates.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates come up with the right strategy
Portland puts early pressure on Bridgeport's goalie and wins after getting shut out Saturday.
Portland Press Herald

No goals hamper Pirates' goal
Bridgeport goalie Wade Dubielewicz makes 36 saves to shut out the struggling Pirates.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Motzko propels Pirates to shootout win
Joe Motzko scores twice in the shootout to carry Portland past Lowell and end a three-game slide.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates add to road losses
The clock continues to run out on the Pirates, who fail again to make up ground in their playoff chase.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitA friend in need, and the Pirates made a big response
If you want to know what kind of people are in the Portland Pirates' locker room, ask Matt Flaherty.
Portland Press Herald

Time running out as Pirates drop another
Portland squanders a two-goal lead, loses 3-2 to Worcester and slides further from securing a berth in the playoffs.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates just 'weren't ready to play'
Travel woes were the least of the problems for the Portland Pirates after a 5-2 loss at Binghamton.
Maine Sunday Telegram

NHL diversity program helps Pirates goalie stick it to doubters
Gerald Coleman is the first program graduate to play in a National Hockey League game.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Lengthy drought ends for Pirates
Portland wins a shootout on the road for the first time since Oct. 14, topping Lowell, 4-3.
Portland Press Herald

'Every game is important' as Pirates take to the road
Seven points out of a playoff berth, Portland needs to string together some wins to have a shot.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitTraveler finds way to Portland
If Sean Blanchard had a business card, it would read: 'Have Hockey Stick, Will Travel.'
Portland Press Herald

Outshot in a shootout
Another squeaker, another loss for struggling Pirates.
Portland Press Herald

Hershey slips by Portland in a tight one
The Calder Cup champion Bears bring a crowd of fans playoff-like intensity and leave with a win.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Crackling power play boosts Pirates
Portland scores on three power plays to beat Springfield 4-2 and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Portland Press Herald

For sure, it's a step ahead
The Pirates gain some ground in the race for a playoff berth by beating division rival Worcester.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitNow's the time for Pirates to start playoff run
Is time running out on the Portland Pirates? Not quite yet.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates remain in hunt
Portland gives up a two-goal lead, then beats Norfolk in overtime to stay in the playoff race.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates no match for Monarchs, 5-1
Manchester scores four goals in the third period after Portland misses some early chances.
Maine Sunday Telegram

At home, hoping for points
The Portland Pirates have to take advantage of a home stretch to remain in the race for the playoffs.
Portland Press Herald

Ducks get NHL center for Pirates goalie
Anaheim sends Mike Wall to Colorado and gets Brad May, who has been injured for most of the season.
Portland Press Herald

Paul Betit: Pirates' coach suspended after blowup
Kevin Dineen will not coach Saturday vs. Manchester for "verbal abuse" of officials.
Portland Press Herald

Another chance goes by the board
The Pirates waste another two-goal lead, this time losing in overtime to division rival Lowell.
Portland Press Herald

One eye or not, he's back on the ice
Jordan Smith is playing college hockey in Canada a year after a devastating injury with the Pirates.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates drop another in a shootout, 4-3
Portland collects its eighth loss in 13 shootouts and falls a point back in its bid for a playoff berth.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates remain in race for playoff berth
Joe Motzko gets two goals, helping Portland tighten the playoff chase with a win at Worcester.
Portland Press Herald

With familiarity comes success
Portland's most recent acquisitions may be in a new town, but are certainly not strangers.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates simply outplayed
After working to get back into the playoff hunt, Portland looks flat in a 4-0 loss at Providence.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitBargain pickup lands in Portland
It appears the Portland Pirates stole a player from the Manchester Monarchs, the AHL's Atlantic Division leader.
Portland Press Herald

Bringing momentum home
The Pirates pick up a point for a fifth straight game with the 500th win in their 14-year history.
Portland Press Herald

Portland finishes trip with shootout loss
The Pirates fall short of win No. 500, but finish a five-game, 11-day trek with a 3-1-0-1 record.
Portland Press Herald

Millstone gone ... now for the milestone
The Pirates, who finally won a game on the road, now seek a 500th franchise victory.
Portland Press Herald

A scurry-to-play goalie comes up big against the Pirates
Joel Martin hustles from Trenton to Norfolk just in time for a 4-3 victory in a shootout.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitSuch a tough road to win on the road
The Portland Pirates got a big monkey off their backs last weekend and hope to keep it off.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates top Norfolk for big road win
Portland wins its second straight away from home after snapping an 11-game road losing streak Friday.
Maine Sunday Telegram

It's the end of the road (drought)
The Portland Pirates end an 11-game road losing streak with a victory over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates trip up on road
Portland starts a five-game trip at Hershey by extending its road losing streak to 11.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitPacking, not packing it in
Before they rolled out of Portland on a bus early Tuesday, each of the Pirates had to pack more than a toothbrush.
Portland Press Herald

Hit the road, streak
The Pirates figure the best way to end a road losing streak is to, well, face a lengthy road stretch.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates find a cure for losing streak
Thoroughly dominating Bridgeport, the Pirates rolled to a 5-1 win to snap a seven-game losing streak before a near-capacity crowd of 6,657 at the Cumberland County Civic Center on Saturday night.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Streaking Bruins rout Pirates, 6-1
Portland continues to struggle at Providence, racking up a team-record 10th straight road loss.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates set sail with an eye on playoffs
Portland, with nine of its next 11 games away from home, recognize the need for wins on the road.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitOff phone and out the door
In professional sports, player trades have a finality all their own. Teams may take days or weeks to consummate a deal, but once a bargain is struck, things move quickly.
Portland Press Herald

New Pirate sparks PlanetUSA comeback
Joe Motzko helps erase a 5-2 deficit as PlanetUSA completes the rally with a late goal to beat Canada.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates make a point, but that's it
Portland gets its first point in six games with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Lowell Devils.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates shake-up continues
Zenon Konopka and Curtis Glencross ship out as the Ducks make more moves to stop Portland's tailspin.
Portland Press Herald

Shaken, not stirred
Eric Weinrich returns to the ice, but Portland fails to respond to the Friday trade of three teammates.
Portland Press Herald

Weinrich ditches suit for a player's sweater
Eric Weinrich, who had been the assistant coach, returns to the ice with the Portland Pirates
Portland Press Herald

Living that dream in the pros
Drew Miller grew up planning, dreaming, hoping to be where he is.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates deal for 'size, grit'
Colby Genoway, who hadn't done as much as Portland wanted, is traded for a veteran.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitPirates' season turning from cheery to eerie
The negatives are beginning to pile up for the Portland Pirates.
Portland Press Herald

Loss to Bruins prolongs Pirates' plight
Portland loses its fourth straight game, falling behind 2-0 at Providence and unable to come back.
Portland Press Herald

Goodbye third place, hello fourth
Portland, which started the month in first place, loses to Providence for its third straight setback.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates continue to plummet, 5-4
Portland loses to Hartford for the fifth time in six games, and falls into a tie for third.
Portland Press Herald

Hot team, hot goalie leave Pirates out in the cold
Coach Kevin Dineen says Portland 'had a decent game,' but Manchester rolls to the victory.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitIn shape and ready to impress with the Pirates
Right wing Matt Keith is trying to make the most of his fresh start with the Portland Pirates.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates get 'encouraging' victory
Portland bounces back after blowing a late two-goal lead and beats Worcester in a shootout.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates shot down in a shootout
The Pirates are having a hard time scoring, but still manage to get one point in a 2-1 shootout loss.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Dineen penalized as Pirates take tumble
Portland Coach Kevin Dineen, unhappy with the officials, is called for a gross misconduct.
Portland Press Herald

Sun's out, beach beckoned, but Salcido played hockey
Brian Salcido of the Pirates had to scramble to hone his hockey skills in California, but it paid off.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitNo need to worry, but who knew?
Rumors that the Anaheim Ducks intended to move their primary minor-league affiliate from Portland can be put to rest, at least for another year.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates dominate, this time in a victory
Portland's hard work and strong play is rewarded in a 4-1 win against its division rival, Manchester.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates right their ship with 3-1 win
Curtis Glencross scores two goals to lift Portland over Worcester, ending its losing skid at five games.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates' losing streak reaches five
Portland drops into third place in the AHL's Atlantic Division with a 4-3 loss at Springfield.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates' plan to end skid: make more shots count
Portland hopes to trade abundance for accuracy after a week of practice.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitOne goes to the NHL, another to the AHL ...
The Portland Pirates have had a great chance to show pro hockey's ripple effect.
Portland Press Herald

No last-night fireworks as Pirates are shut down
Hartford ruins the New Year's Eve celebration as a full house at the Civic Center watches Portland suffer a 2-0 defeat.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates taking their shots, but goals just aren't coming
Thomas Greiss makes 45 saves and Worcester hands Portland another frustrating loss.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Strangely, a no-win situation
Portland dominates Springfield for much of the game before losing on two goals in the third.
Portland Press Herald

Top goal scorer dealt by Pirates to help Anaheim
Because the Ducks need a goalie, Pierre Parenteau and Bruno St. Jacques are gone.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitAll those bus rides, and now he's flying high
After playing in 441 games as an American Hockey League defenseman, Kent Huskins finally was in the NHL.
Portland Press Herald

Falcons turn the tables on Pirates
After forcing a shootout before losing last weekend at Portland, Springfield pulls out a 3-2 win.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates get Parenteau guidance
Pierre Parenteau scores three goals to help 'outplayed' Portland escape with a victory.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates relish a rare break
Portland looks forward to a four-day vacation after back-to-back home games this weekend.
Portland Press Herald

Making big strides so far from home
Bjorn Melin of the Pirates came to the AHL from Sweden to prove himself, and he's sure doing that.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitThe goal for the season is giving
Christmas is a time for giving, and the Portland Pirates players and coaches are no slouches when it comes to donating their time and money.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates drop Falcons in shootout
Zenon Konopka records his 100th point as a Pirate in regulation, then caps the shootout victory.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates stifled in shootout
The first-place Portland Pirates are beaten by the last-place Hartford Wolf Pack, 1-0 in a shootout.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Good night back at the office
In its first home game since Dec. 2, Portland tops Manchester and ends a losing streak.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates get back to work
Portland gears up for three games in three nights after just three games in three weeks.
Portland Press Herald

Paul BetitDucks' strength coach drops in to keep Pirates shipshape
Usually, when the Anaheim Ducks hit the road, Sean Skahan comes to Maine.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates left with that empty feeling
Outplaying the Monarchs for much of the game, Portland fails to hold a lead and loses 3-2 in OT.
Maine Sunday Telegram

Pirates stick to hockey, come up short
Portland sees its division lead dwindle to one point with a 6-3 loss to rival Providence.
Portland Press Herald

Work's done, and Pirates ready to play
Portland used a break from a demanding schedule to work on an ailing power play.
Portland Press Herald

It appears no Ducks migrating
Anaheim and Portland officials say extending their affiliation agreement is likely to happen soon.
Portland Press Herald

Far from Portland, future Pirates tested
A five-day tournament in California will bring together prospects from Western teams.
Portland Press Herald

He's here with eye on team over there
Geoff Peters may be 28, but a good hockey season in Portland has drawn attention in Anaheim.
Portland Press Herald

Arena football discussed
The Pirates' owner is exploring whether to seek a franchise for Portland.
Portland Press Herald

Pirates need a trainer after Soutuyo leaves
Angel Soutuyo, 34, has stepped down as the Pirates' athletic trainer to join Orthopaedic Associates in Portland.
Portland Press Herald

BLOG

Checking InHello, again
Folks, it has been awhile, and I appreciate your patience and all the kind words during my injury and absence. This has been the hardest two months of my career. During other injuries, I could see a light at... more
[MaineToday.com 04/21/08]

KID TRACKS

The Almeida family has adventures throughout Maine — sometimes they're at the rink...

Player cards and missed photo ops
We went to the Pirates game on Saturday night and L. was enamoured with the player cards she received. The... more
[02/04/08]

More reasons to enjoy a Pirates hockey game
L. and I saw a great Pirates game last night as they shut out the Bruins. It started with an... more
[01/13/08]

Celebrating New Year's with the Pirates
After our ski trip to Fort Kent, the kids were pretty subdued during the Pirates game on New Year's Eve.... more
[01/01/08]

Seen Sports Were you at a Pirates' game this season? Then you might have been Seen in MaineToday.com