Portland Pirates season ends to Crunch in OT
By Troy Baker
Well our last hope for the post season ended as the Pirates were swept 3 games to zero.
They didnt go down without a fight forcing overtime but falling 4-3 in the extra session. Not a horrible season in the end but definitely not aided by the big club’s constant need to poach it’s talent to fill holes due to injury, suspension, and trades. When the Coyotes declared themselves sellers at the trade deadline it marked the start of several long flight from Phoenix to Portland and vice versa.
Remaining bright spots were Chad Johnson and Alexander Bolduc who both played well enough to be considered full time with Phoenix next season. It should mark a minature rebuilding effort where Phoenix tries to find an offensive identity. Rhythm and consistency is badly needed for both clubs and through the draft and free agency both the Coyotes and Pirates will be defined.
Overtime saw both teams get quality chances to end the game. Chad Johnson made some key saves, keeping the season alive for Portland. The Pirates were out shot 15-4 in the overtime period, and 45-18 total for the game. With just 16.2 seconds left in the overtime period, Palat struck again, picking up a loose rebound off a Taormina shot to end the Pirates’ season, and give the Crunch a 4-3 victory and series sweep.
Onto an off season which will be defined by what the Coyotes need first then the talent left over will once again rally together and try to return for a deeper run in the 13-14 season.
Miele, Bolduc, and Nick Johnson all scored in the season’s finale and you will be seeing a lot more of those names in the future if you are a fan of Portland or Phoenix. I love the young talent and although both teams experienced very little as far as a post season….brighter days will come.