Black Bears Clobber Clarkson 6-1

ESTERO, Fla. -- Brian Flynn (Lynnfield, Mass.) and Spencer Abbott (Hamilton, Ontario) each had a goal and two assists to lead the University of Maine men's ice hockey team to a 6-1 victory over Clarkson in the first game of the Florida College Classic on Thursday afternoon in Estero, Fla. Maine will face the winner of the Cornell vs. UMass game in the Championship game on Friday night at 7:30 PM.



Maine struck first when Flynn scored his seven goal of the season at 8:25 of the first period when he received a pass from Abbott and shot the puck past Clarkson goalie Cody Rosen on the left goal post. Will O'Neill (Salem, Mass.) also assisted on the goal. Ryan Hegarty (Arlington, Mass.) extended Maine's lead to when his shot from the blueline found the upper corner of the net. Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y.) and Flynn both assisted on the goal.



Maine made it 3-0 at 18:47 when Hegarty got the puck to Flynn. He passed to Abbott who shot from the top of the circle, beating Rosen for his 11th goal of the season at 18:47. The Black Bears took the 3-0 lead into the first intermission.



The Black Bears made it 4-0 at 7:30 of the second period with a goal in transition. Brice O'Connor (Londonderry, N.H.), who now has points in four straight games, began the play when he gained control of the puck in the defensive zone. He found Kyle Beattie (Avondale, Ariz.) who skated the puck up the ice. Adam Shemansky (Robbinsville, N.J.) finished the play with his fifth goal of the season.



Maine tallied a shorthanded goal at 10:09 when Mike Cornell (Franklin, Mass.) found Matt Mangene (Miller Place, N.Y.) who skated the puck up the ice. Mangene had a shot that Richie LeVeau saved, but the rebound when to Mark Anthoine (Lewiston, Maine) who fired the puck into the back of the net.



Maine took a 5-0 lead into the second intermission. The second period was marred with 26 penalties for 84 minutes.



Diamond added a power play goal at 3:18 of the third period as the Black Bears extended their lead to 6-0. O'Neill began the play and found Shemansky. He then passed to Diamond just outside the crease. Diamond capitalized with his 10th goal of the season.



Clarkson got on the board at 9:36 when Louke Oakley tipped a Alex Boak shot past Maine goalie Dan Sullivan (York, Pa.) to break up his shutout bid. Joe Zarbo also assisted on the goal.



Maine outshot Clarkson 36-19 in the game. The Black Bears finished 2-for-7 on the power play, while Clarkson was scoreless in seven chances.



Maine goalie Sullivan was impressive, stopped 18 of the 19 shots that he faced. He improves to 6-4-2 on the season. Cody Rosen made 15 saves in 27:30. He falls to 0-1-0 on the season. Richie LeVeau made 15 saves in 32:32.



Maine returns to action on Friday, Dec. 30 when it plays for the Florida College Classic title. Puck drop will be at 7:30 PM against either UMass or Cornell.

--Information Courtesy of the University of Maine Athletic Department

Pirates Down P-Bruins 6-3

The Portland Pirates finished off a five-game homestand with a 6-3 win over the Providence Bruins at the Cumberland County Civic Center Wednesday night. It was only the Pirates second victory in their last 6 games.

Brett MacLean started off the scoring 8 minutes into the game with his 12th goal of the season. MacLean would push it to 2-0 later in the period on a power play goal. That would be the first of three goals in two minutes, as Carter Camper scored for the P-Bruins and Dean Arsene would tally his 2nd goal of the season as the Pirates led 3-1 after 1 period.

The 2 teams would trade goals in the second period, as Ethan Werek scored early in the period for the Pirates, and Kevin Miller scored late for the P-Bruins.

Josh Hennessy scored a power play just 2:18 into the third period to cut the Portland lead to 4-3. Matt Watkins scored with 7:27 left to give the Pirates some breathing room, and Brock Trotter scored an empty-netter to finish off the scoring.

MacLean and Trotter each had 3 points for the Pirates, while Justin Pogge stopped 26 of 29 shots in net.

The Pirates take a short road trip to face the Adirondack Phantoms on Friday before coming back home for their annual New Year's Eve game on Saturday, against Worcester Sharks. That game has a special start time of 5:30.

Pirates training camp gets a full stock of players #portlandpirates #coyotes

The Phoenix Coyotes announces players assigned to  Portland Pirates Train Camp are as follows;

Goaltender: Marc Cheverie
Forwards: Mathieu Beaudoin, Spencer Bennett, Evan Bloodoff, Alexandre Bolduc, Marc Cheverie, Darian Dziurzynski, Brett Hextall, Ryan Hollweg, Colin Long, Donny Maloney, Brendan Shinnimin, Jordan Szwarz, Matt Watkins and Ethan Werek
Defensemen: Mathieu Brodeur, Nick Ross, Garrett Stafford, Michael Stone

Pirates sign former Hobey Baker Winner Duncan

The Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League in conjunction with their AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates, announced today that they have signed forward Ryan Duncan to an AHL deal.

Duncan (7/14/85, 5’8” 175 lbs.) spent the previous two seasons competing in the Austrian Elite League for EC Red Bull Salzburg where he compiled 111 points (43-68-111) in 99 games. Following a four-year collegiate career at the University of North Dakota, Duncan made his American Hockey League debut during the 2008-2009 season, skating in two games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. At the conclusion of his sophomore season at North Dakota in 2006-2007, where he totaled 57 points (31-26-57) in 43 games, the Calgary, Alberta native was rewarded with the Hobey Baker Award, joining fellow Coyotes prospect Andy Miele (2011) as a recipient of the top honor in collegiate hockey.

The Pirates will open their 19th season of competition on the road against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday, October 8th at 7 p.m. The high-flying action will open at home for the 34th season of AHL action at the Cumberland County Civic Center, on Saturday, October 15th when the Manchester Monarchs visit in a 7 p.m. start.

--PIRATES PRESS RELEASE--

Portland Pirates announce 2011 - 2012 Schedule

The Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League announced today their schedule of games for the 2011-12 Regular Season.

The Pirates will open their 19th season of competition on the road against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday, October 8th at 7 p.m. The high-flying action will open at home for the 35th season of AHL action at the Cumberland County Civic Center, on Saturday, October 15th when the Manchester Monarchs visit in a 7 p.m. start, featuring a JobsinME.com Magnetic Schedule giveaway. All 38 home games will be played at the Civic Center, with 27 weekend games. Saturday Night is Hockey Night in Portland will take place 14 times during the course of the season while the Pirates will also play nine Friday games and four Sunday games.

“This season’s schedule provides a balanced blend of dates and start times in response to what our fans have been telling us over the past few seasons,” said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek. “Additionally, we have enhanced traditional favorites on the promotional side of our business with exciting new programs and activities to improve the fan experience and begin a new era of Portland Pirates hockey, Phoenix Coyotes style!”

Divisional Rivalries

With the new AHL divisional realignment for the 2011-12 season, the Pirates will continue their traditional rivalries in the Atlantic Division with the Manchester Monarchs (Los Angeles Kings), Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins), and Worcester Sharks (San Jose Sharks). The Pirates will battle Manchester and Worcester a total of 12 times each (six on home ice and six on the road), in addition to facing off with Providence a total of 10 times. New to the AHL and Atlantic Division this season, the Newfoundland-based St. John’s IceCaps franchise (Winnipeg Jets) will square off with the Pirates eight times during the regular season.

Collectible Bobblehead Series

Returning to the Cumberland County Civic Center for the 2011-12 season is the popular Pirates Collectible Bobblehead series. On three Friday game dates this season, the Pirates will again be giving away the likenesses of 2011 Hobey Baker Award recipient Andy Miele (January 20th), veteran defenseman Dean Arsene (February 3rd), and goaltender Curtis McElhinney (March 2nd).

Community Support

The Pirates will also continue its commitment to local community causes and initiatives during their home schedule of games. The fourth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game, sponsored by Maine Medical Center, will be played on Saturday, October 22nd against Providence at 7 p.m. Members of the Pirates will be sporting special “Pink” jerseys and socks during the game. Group tickets to this game are being sold at $15/ticket, with $5 from each ticket being donated to breast cancer research. The Pirates have set a goal of raising $10,000 through the sale of these group tickets.

On Saturday, November 12th against Providence at 7 p.m., the Pirates will host a special Salute to Armed Forces Night, where all of the men and women who have served (or are currently serving) as members of the United States Armed Forces will be recognized and offered discounted tickets.

The Pirates will also be hosting three unique “FUNraiser” nights to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Friday, October 21st against the Adirondack Phantoms), American Heart Association (Saturday, February 4th against the defending Calder Cup champion Binghamton Senators at 7 p.m.) and Autism Awareness (Wednesday, April 11th against the Connecticut Whale at 6:30 p.m.).

For tickets and additional information to any of these charity-driven promotional nights, visit portlandpirates.com or contact the Pirates office at 207-828-4665 x350.

Matinee Action

The Pirates will host two holiday matinee games (1 p.m. start times) during the season on January 2nd against Connecticut (New Year’s Day matinee) and February 20th against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (President’s Day) giving families, who have the day off from work or school, the opportunity to experience some of the great action and entertainment that Pirates hockey has to offer.

Also included in the schedule is the Pirates third annual School Day Game, presented by Irving Oil, facing off at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6th against the Manchester Monarchs. Last season, more than 20 Maine schools and nearly 4,000 students took a break from class to experience a fun and educational afternoon with the Pirates. This special educational day features interactive learning activities that promote physical activities and living a healthy lifestyle.

Intermission Excitement

New for 2011-12! The Portland Pirates are proud to introduce new and exciting on-ice promotions throughout the entire home schedule, including the Summit Adventure Hamster Ball Series, Broomball and Bench Buddies program.

Don’t Forget to Mark Your Calendar!

Other featured events and promotions scheduled for the upcoming season include the highly anticipated annual Kid’s New Year’s Celebration on Saturday, December 31st against Worcester at 5:30 p.m. The game, an expected sellout, will mark the 17th season the Pirates have celebrated the bringing in of a New Year featuring New England’s largest indoor fireworks display at the conclusion of the game. All fans are encouraged to celebrate with the Pirates in a special “Green Night” on St. Patrick’s Day (Saturday, March 17th at 7 p.m.) against Bridgeport where Pirates players will be wearing festive green jerseys. During the course of the season, six special Student Achiever Nights will be featured (November 19th, December 17th and 26th, January 14th, February 4th, and March 10th) to recognize students who have performed at a high level in the classroom. Also, save the date for two Post Game Skates with the team, presented by Mercy Hospital and Steele Hill Resorts, on December 18th and February 26th, a Valentine’s Day Date Night game slated for February 15th, Irving Oil Day of Hockey to benefit the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital on February 26th, the Pirates Hall of Fame Induction Night presented by UNUM to be played on March 10th, Time Warner Cable Hat giveaway scheduled for March 11th, and the annual Shirts off Their Backs/Team Awards and Fan Appreciation Night, presented by Creative Awards, on April 13th.

Now is the time to cash in on great savings by purchasing discounted ticket plans and advance tickets for the Pirates 2011-12 season. Ticket packages are available to meet all budgets and schedules. Season Tickets are now on sale with great seats still available for the 2011-2012 season. For the first time ever, Full Season Ticket Holders will receive a commemorative Season Ticket Holder Jersey from the Portland Pirates. To become a new Full Season Ticket Holder, or to upgrade your 20 or 12-game plan to a Full Season Ticket plan, contact the Pirates’ Ticket Department at 207.282.4665 ext. 350.

See What You’ve Been Missing. Portland Pirates Hockey.
PORTLANDPIRATES.COM

Coyotes announce new ECHL partner

Phoenix Coyotes Vice President of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Brad Treliving announced today that the Coyotes have signed a one-year affiliation agreement with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL.

“We are glad to announce our affiliation with the Gladiators,” Treliving said. “They have consistently proven to be an elite organization within the ECHL and we look forward to having our young prospects continue their development in Gwinnett.”

Gwinnett plays its home games at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Ga. The Gladiators are one of 20 teams that compete in the ECHL and play in the South Division of the Eastern Conference. The franchise was founded in 2003 and the team has made the playoffs in six of its eight seasons, including a trip to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2006.

“I think that there were really two key factors that made this affiliation a natural fit,” Gladiators President Steve Chapman said. “The first is a common commitment to player development. The Phoenix Coyotes organization is committed to developing players through their system.”

“The second factor is simply respect. Brad Treliving and I have known each other for a long time. Ray Edwards (head coach Portland Pirates) was a long-time ECHL player and coach that I have known for years. They both spent considerable time in the ECHL and have a similar background in minor league coaching and administration. They have quality reputations and they have a solid understanding of our place and our importance in this relationship and they value it.  We are looking forward to working with them and the other members and coaches of the Coyotes organization, as well as the Portland Pirates, as we seek to develop quality players and quality men.”

John Wroblewski is in his first season as the head coach with Gwinnett after helping lead the Wheeling Nailers to the ECHL Eastern Conference Finals last season as an assistant coach. Before he joined the Nailers, Wroblewski began his coaching career with the USA Hockey Under-18 National Development Program from 2007 to 2010.

Gwinnett opens the 2011-12 season on Friday, Oct. 14 at the Florida Everblades.

Green Mountain to play two games in Lewiston

The Federal Hockey League's Green Mountain Rock Crushers are the first professional hockey team in Vermont's history. They are hoping they can plant the seeds for a natural rivalry with a potential franchise in Lewiston.

"Playing in Lewiston is kind of nice because we would be the closest rival team," said Rock Crushers GM Andrew Makal. "It could spark some serious buzz for us and for a (potential) new franchise (in Lewiston)."

It was announced last month that the Federal Hockey League, which is in it's second year of existence, would play 5 games in Lewiston.

"The biggest concern for us is that it did cost us a home game," said Makal. "The travel isn’t terrible, but missing out on a game’s worth of home revenue might be a tough pill to swallow down the road."

Still, it was an opportunity for the FHL to test the waters of the Lewiston pro hockey market, which is still stinging from the loss of the Lewiston Maineiacs over the summer.

"This is indeed a 'trial balloon', as the FHL would love to have an arena like (The Colisee) in our league," said Makal. "The question becomes how willing the market is to support minor professional hockey after having a major junior franchise. If done properly, and we are using a Canadian Hockey League model here in Vermont, I think it can be successful, but that depends on who runs it."

Makal is a realist, and feels if fans temper their expectations, the FHL could have a great run.

"As we don’t try to be something we’re not (compete with the level of play of the Pirates or the Maineiacs), I think it will be fun for the local fan base who are losing out on having a hockey tenant this season with the departure of the Q team," said Makal.

The Federal Hockey League consists of 7 teams. Will Lewiston turn out to be the eighth?

Former MAINEiacs Coach JF Houle named Blainville-Boisbriand Armada Head Coach #qmjhl

The Maine Sports Network has learned that former Lewiston MAINEiacs head coach JF Houle has been named head coach of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

The Armada recently moved from Montreal, where they were the Montreal Junior. The MAINEiacs ended the Junior's season, defeating them 4-2 in the quarterfinals.

Check out Justin Pelletier's article at SunJournal.com

Coyotes management and new Pirates head coach introduced

The Portland Pirates introduced members of the Phoenix Coyotes management staff and the new Pirates Head Coach to the town this AM. Take a listen

AHL Re-aligns #portlandpirates #theahl

American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced that the league’s Board of Governors, convening this week for its Annual Meeting in Hilton Head Island, S.C., has approved the following division alignment for the 2011-12 AHL season (NHL affiliates in parentheses):

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division Manchester Monarchs (LA) Portland Pirates (PHX) Providence Bruins (BOS) St. John’s (WPG) Worcester Sharks (SJ)

Northeast Division Adirondack Phantoms (PHI) Albany Devils (NJ) Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI) Connecticut Whale (NYR) Springfield Falcons (CBJ)

East Division Binghamton Senators (OTT) Hershey Bears (WSH) Norfolk Admirals (TB) Syracuse Crunch (ANA) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE North Division Grand Rapids Griffins (DET) Hamilton Bulldogs (MTL) Lake Erie Monsters (COL) Rochester Americans (BUF) Toronto Marlies (TOR)

Midwest Division Charlotte Checkers (CAR) Chicago Wolves (VAN) Milwaukee Admirals (NSH) Peoria Rivermen (STL) Rockford IceHogs (CHI)

West Division Abbotsford Heat (CGY) Houston Aeros (MIN) Oklahoma City Barons (EDM) San Antonio Rampage (FLA) Texas Stars (DAL)

The format for the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs was also approved by the Board of Governors. Eight teams in each conference will qualify for the postseason, with the three division winners earning the top three seeds and the next five best teams in order of regular-season points seeded fourth through eighth.

"The approved divisional and conference alignment for the league adds an exciting, new competitive component within our division which we feel Pirates' fans will appreciate," said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO, Brian Petrovek. "Portland's traditional, regional rivalries with Manchester, Worcester, and Providence continue along with the exciting addition of a Canadian competitor, the St. John's franchise in Newfoundland, which will provide our fans with a new element to the on-ice experience over the course of the regular season and throughout the playoffs."

The conference quarterfinals will be best-of-five series; the conference semifinals, conference finals and Calder Cup Finals will be best-of-seven series. Teams will be re-ordered after the first round so that the highest-remaining seed plays the lowest-remaining seed.

The regular-season schedule format is still to be determined, and the complete playing schedule for the 2011-12 regular season, which begins Oct. 7, will be announced later this summer.

In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 87 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the 10th year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2010-11.

Portland Pirates Affiliate Announcement (Full audio)

The Maine Sports Network was LIVE at the Cumberland County Civic Center for the Portland Pirates announcement of its new NHL affiliation with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Listen to Brian Petrovek's  full press conference below:



Listen to Phoenix Coyotes full welcoming press conference. VP and GM Don Maloney, along with VP and Assistant GM Brad Treliving talked to the Portland media.

Portland Pirates: Looking for new parent club #sabres #portlandpirates @portlandpirates

Petrovek meeting media Friday

Portland Pirates CEO Brian Petrovek held a press conference this afternoon to react to the news that the Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans are reuniting. Our own Jeff Schools was on the scene. Petrovek said a new affiliate would be announced Monday afternoon. Audio Below

Bruins Stanley Cup Parade #bruins

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WEEKEND WARM UP LIVE FROM THE GREATEST BAR BOSTON
BROADCAST PRESENTED BY MISTER SPARKY AMERICA'S
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Stanley Cup Finals: Game 3 tonight at the Garden

Bruins. Canucks. Tonight. Versus. 8 PM. Enjoy the audio and video to get pumped up for this thing.

If you missed the Jeff mash-up from this past weekend, you must listen here.

Eastern Conference Finals coverage presented by Shipyard: Bruins ground Lightning for good

The Boston Bruins played phenomenal defense, Tim Thomas kept Tampa Bay off the board, and Nathan Horton scored the game's lone goal in the Bruins 1-0 Game 7 win over the Lightning on Friday night. The Bruins will now move on to face the Western Conference Champion Vancouver Canucks, and game one will be Wednesday night. Stay tuned for post-game audio from Jeff Schools, who is LIVE from the TD Garden, and tune into the Big Jab Weekend Warm-Up tomorrow (presented by Mister Sparky, America's on-time electrician) from 8a-11a for all your Bruins aftermath! Duckboats! Our Bruins coverage is brought you by Shipyard Brewing. (Post-Game audio below)

Milan Lucic


Nathan Horton

Tim Thomas

Patrice Bergeron

Dennis Seidenberg

Brad Marchand

Zdeno Chara

Bruins Game 7 coverage Presented By Shipyard Brewing

Follow along right here for the Maine Sports Network's coverage of Game 7, Boston Bruins v Tampa Bay Lightning for a chance to go to the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vancouver Canucks. We'll be tweeting, live blogging and have exclusive post game audio from the TD Garden.

Bruins take crucial Game 5

It wasn't pretty, but it was a win.

The Boston Bruins who spent the entire first period falling down on the ice and getting their rear-ends handed to them, managed to string together a solid effort in the 2nd and 3rd periods, getting a tying goal from Nathan Horton and the eventual game-winner from Brad Marchand in their 3-1 win on Monday night.

Tim Thomas, who got beat on a breakway in the first period, had 33 saves, including a stick save in third period that may have saved the game and the series for the black and gold.

Rich Peverley added an empty-net goal for the B's. Game 6 is Wednesday night in Tampa.

Stay tuned for Jeff's post-game audio and remember, we are Maine's only media entity covering the Bruins live! Our coverage is brought to you by the good folks at Shipyard!

Brad Marchand	Tim Thomas	Guy Boucher
Milan Lucic	Claude Julien	Nathan Horton
Daniel Paille	Chris Kelly	Patrice Bergeron
Zdeno Chara

MESN Game 5 coverage Presented by Shipyard Brewing

Follow along tonight as Matty, Jeff and the rest of the MESN crew report LIVE from the TD Garden during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning. We'll be tweeting and live blogging, so stop on by!

Game 3: Bruins take the spark out of the Lightning

Tim Thomas faced 31 shots on Thursday night in the Bruins 2-0 win. None of them got past him.

The Bruins went to Tampa Bay and played solid defense, and when they didn't, Thomas more than saved their bacon.

David Krejci scored early to get the Bruins on the board 1-0 1:09 into the first, going backhand to forehand in front of the net off a beautiful centering pass from Milan Lucic. After a scoreless second period, the Bruins struck gold again the third period, when an Andrew Ference slapper trickled past Dwayne Roloson (the goal was originally credited to Tyler Seguin, but was rightfully credited to Ference in the post-game). The defense and Thomas took it the rest of the way.

The Bruins are now up 2 game to 1 in the series, and will face the Lightning in Tampa again Saturday afternoon at 1:30 on NBC.

Patrice Bergeron returned to action, and seemed to hint that he felt okay initially, but the team was extra cautious in his return.

"I tried not to put any pressure on myself to come back to soon," said Bergeron in the post-game. "I got some contact on game-day (before Game 2) and the team, myself, and the doctors felt I was ready to go."

"I stayed pretty positive in the process, and I was happy it (the concussion) was mild like it was."

Tim Thomas wore the ugly Bruins Starter jacket after the game.

Our coverage of the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals is brought to you by Shipyard Brewing Company. Remember, you don't have to be a sailor to enjoy an ice cold Shipyard.

Tyler Seguin freed from Jail de Claude; Lightning suffer the consequences

Tyler Seguin played roughly 5 minutes in game one, and Claude Julien once again maddened his fan base and the common-sense arm of the media by refusing to play the kid. Tuesday night in a 6-5 win, Seguin played 13 minutes and 31 seconds. What a 13 minutes and 31 seconds it was.

The new golden boy of Boston sports, Seguin had 2 goals and 2 assists, logged plenty of ice time, and the Bruins survived some horrible defense and a shaky night from Tim Thomas to even up the series with Tampa.

Michael Ryder and Nathan Horton also had big games, Horton with 3 points (a goals and 2 assists) and Ryder with 2 goals and an assist. Dennis Seidenberg and Thomas Kaberle each added 2 assists. The B's had 5 goals in the second period alone, and forced Dwayne Roloson out of the game after 2 periods.

Tampa got to within one goal in the third period, but it wasn't enough.

Tim Thomas had 36 saves on 41 shots.

Post-Game audio below. All of our coverage of the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is brought to you by Shipyard Brewing.

POST GAME AUDIO

Claude Julien	Mark Recchi
Michael Ryder	Tyler Seguin

Maine Sports Network Bruins Game 2 Coverage Presented by Shipyard Brewing Co.

Follow along right here tonight for our Boston Bruins Game 2 coverage Presented By Shipyard Brewing Co.

As the Maineiac turns: Reports of QMJHL turning down Lewiston

On today's episode of "As the Maineiacs Turn":

Dave Stewart tweeted "It's official - Lewiston's request to move to Summerside has been denied by the QMJHL board."

When asked for a response, Maineiacs Governor Bill Schurman replied via e-mail to Pine Tree Pucks.

"Nothing has changed, including what appears to be the lack of confidentiality by some.(it sure seems there is a connection toward Charlottetown). Said Schurman, "We continue to sell our season tickets (loyalty pricing ends tomorrow) and to plan for next year. If anything changes we'll let our people and community now first as promised."

Mike Haggett, the Maineiacs Media Relations Director, also tweeted: "There was no vote, no request to move filed, nothing. (Board of Governors) last met in (Montreal) week of awards and won't meet again until draft."

Ho-hum, just another day.

My sleepy eyed observations Presented by Shipyard Brewing Co.

Another great night at the Garden and special thanks to Shipyard Brewing Company for supporting us in our efforts to be the ONLY Maine outlet to cover the Bruins in Boston Saturday night!

So, what was wrong with the Bruins last night...hmm..well, where do I start. A couple observations.

Tomas Kaberle. He was HORRIBLE. As inconsistent play as I have ever seen during the playoffs.

If Kaberle was supposed to be thw power play wunderkind, he sure hasn't shown it here. He was terrible on the point, not shooting, waiting that one extra tick to pass, not good. Yet, Claude Julien keeps throwing him out there, hoping he can make a difference. I fear that is never going to happen.

Let's talk about the giveaway. You know which giveaway, that awful, terrible, back-breaking, unforced error, where Kaberle basically gave the puck to, GULP, Former Maine Black Bear Teddy Purcell. I heard criticism all around the Garden last night that while the Bruins and Lightning both were changing up, Dennis Seidenburg was all alone on the right side and should have skated into the neutral zone. Ok, that would have left the 2, count them 2 Lightning forecheckers with a 2 on 1. I think Seidenberg made the right choice and furthermore, the wisest choice giving the puck to a guy like Kaberle. Kaberle choked...PERIOD. You plain can not be the caliber of player Tomas Kaberle is and give that puck up, no way no how.

I can't sit here and totally rag on Kaberle, because I did see some spark I hadn't in the previous trips to the Garden. He did actually skate, with the puck, through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone to attempt to make plays. He did this on many occasions and seemed to effectively break the vaunted Lightning blockade. The Bruins need MUCH more of that effective offensive skill, it could be a difference maker.

Ok let's talk about Tyler Seguin. Tyler Seguin, for all of 5 minutes ice time in the first two periods, gave this team an offensive spark. No, he is not the second coming of Bobby Orr, he is not Espo in the waiting, but he was skating and putting offensive pressure on the Lightning.

Is Seguin's defense where it needs to be? No. OK, the Bruins have enough blue line talent to make up for that. Was Bergenheim his man on the 1st goal of the night? Yes. I thought he made the right play attempting to step out and cover Victor Hedman. Seguin over-committed a tad, got loose on his skates, and was a little out of position. Bigger problem on that play was Seidenberg lost his stick and watch Michael Ryder. I wouldn't call him the Statue of Liberty, but pretty close. So the sloppy play, a player without his stick all bigger negative contributions to the goal than Tyler Seguin.

His offensive ability, as in it's infancy as it is, is there. Ask Mike Lundin how talented Seguin is. Seguin left Lundin's jock strap somewhere out on the Zakim Bride with that move. As quality a goal score as you will see in the NHL.

While there are some holes in Tyler Seguin's game, the Bruins need that offensive talen in the lineup. Without Patrice Bergeron, that much is 100% clear. The kid deserves more than 9 minutes of ice time.

This team also misses Patrice Bergeron and his 60% faceoff wins. Last night the Bruins won a meager 39% of all faceoffs, maybe the biggest reason for the lack of offensive fire power last night.

Bergeron skated by himself in the morning, was in attendance, posing with soldiers during the game (to which I thought the building was going to crumble it was so loud), looked in good health. I am hoping Bergeron and the Bruins are playing this smart. They lost one player to this devastating issue, they can not afford a second. My belief is that Patrice Bergeron is a very smart man, and would not jeopardize his livelihood and his life for a Stanley Cup. I think in the end, they will make the right decision. If you believe the scuttlebutt, Bergeron may suit up Tuesday. Time will tell, but it is clear the Bruins need him.

Last but not least, in the you had to do it didn't you department, two Maine Black Bears alum took part in taking down the Bruins last night. Brett Clark (1995-1996) and Teddy Purcell (2006-2007) each scored 1st period goals that helped to put the Bruins back on their heels much of the rest of the game. Clark's rush was kinda cool. Here is the video.



THE MAINE SPORTS NETWORK'S COVERAGE OF THE BOSTON BRUINS IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS PRESENTED BY THE SHIPYARD BREWING CO.

Pirates Notebook: Speculation on Sabres/Pirates relationship; Dineen will be in demand

It could be nothing, it could be something, but a New York paper has some interesting quotes from Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black on the affiliation between the Sabres and Portland Pirates.

“We have a deal in place with Portland (and) it extends for two or three more years,” Black told the radio station AM 550. “But, I also know affiliations change.”

Locals in upstate New York are longing for the Sabres to reunite with former AHL club, the Rochester Amerks....

The CBC's Glenn Healy stated last night on Canadian television that Portland Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen will be in high demand this off-season (my children would say "duh" to this news), but also said the Sabres have given permission for him to seek other jobs already if he desires. Dineen was a candidate for jobs in Columbus and in Tampa Bay last season, and with the success Guy Boucher has had jumping from Hamilton to Tampa, it's possible a team takes chance on Dineen without NHL head-coaching experience.

Eastern Conference Finals Coverage presented by Shipyard: Bruins drop Game One

Tyler Seguin on way to his 1st Playoff Goal (PHOTO DAN HICKLING)

After not playing since last Friday night, some rust was to be expected from both hockey teams. Unfortunately for the Boston Bruins, they were three goals rustier than Tampa Bay in a 5-2 game one loss.

Three quick goals in the first period ended the Bruins chances. Sean Bergenheim, who killed the Caps in the last round, continued his good play, potting the first goal of the series for either team. After two more quick Lightning goals, the Bruins were down 3-0 and the building was zapped of life. Tyler Seguin, who made the most of his sparse ice time, scored his first career playoff goal to make it 3-1 at the end of the first period, but the Bruins never got any closer than that.

Stay tuned for post-game audio taken live from the TD Garden, and a reminder, our Bruins coverage is brought to you by the good folks at Shipyard.

POST GAME AUDIO

Tyler Seguin	David Krejci
Tim Thomas	Claude Julien

Game 1 Boston Bruins Eastern Conference Finals Presented by Shipyard

Thanks to Shipyard Brewing Co. for sponsoring our coverage of the 2011 Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Finals. Check back here tonight to follow Jeff from the Garden and Matty from the Remote Bunker as the Bruins make their way to the Stanley Cup Finals

Voice of the NHL Mike Emrick joins us on The Shipyard Brewing Guest Line

Mike "Doc" Emrick joins us to talk Bruins, NHL Playoffs and, as he always does, Maine Mariners (Jeff just can't help himself).

CSNNE's Joe Haggerty talks Bruins, provides a Patrice Bergeron Update

Joe Haggerty from CSNNE.com, joined us this morning to talk Bruins before Saturday night's game one against the Lightning, and provides us a possible to update to Patrice Bergereron and when he might play in this series (hint: it's later on in the series)

Tampa Bay Lightning preview with Lightning radio voice Dave Mishkin

Dave Mishkin, the radio voice of the Tampa Bay Lightning, joined us this morning to help us all get to know the Lightning.