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.

Back to back games are hard on the legs. Providence got it’s revenge from 2 nights earlier by a 3-2 margin.  Both sides took little time scoring as Bourque gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead 36 secs into the game. Less than a minute later Bolduc tied it back up 1-1 and the Pirates even took the lead 6 minutes later with a Klinkhammer one timer on the power play. That would be all the scoring for the Pirates as Providence tied it on a Bartkowski goal late in the opening period. Neither team would score until Whitfield put in the game winner late in the third period for Providence as they sent home Portland unhappy, but almost 9,000 of their home fans happy. Pirates goalie Johnson gave up 3 goals on 27 shots.

Ah what a difference a day makes. Tired legs? No problem as the Pirates edged Bridgeport 2-1 on another excellent performance in goal by Mark Visentin. He stopped 39 of 40 shots on goal. Standing on his head was an understatement. All of the scoring occurred in the opening stanza as Bolduc opened up the score sheet with his team high 16th goal of the season just over 7 minutes in from Summers and Rundblad; followed by Andy Miele and a power play goal that would be the game winner late in the first from Stone and Shinnimin.  The Tigers answered with a goal late in the same period but no more scoring after that. A few fights highlighted the night and the home crowd of 5,000 got their money’s worth. Nothing like an old fashion rumble to get the juices flowing eh?

Pirates take on Worcester tomorrow night in front of the home crowd then a back to back this weekend.

Link below of fight seen in pic above.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151338257491310&set=vb.837281309&type=2&theater