Heat Waved
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Arizona Coyotes AHL Report- 4/20/15

By Guillermo Salcido

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It was not without its drama, but the Portland Pirates will partake in playoff hockey. The Arizona Coyotes AHL affiliate was able to clinch #8 seed in the Eastern Conference on Sunday, in the last period no less. The busy weekend had no shortage of heroes.

On Friday, the Pirates were unable to defeat the Manchester Monarchs, even with a 44 shots on goal effort. In a 3-2 loss, Mike McKenna saved 20 shots. Henrik Samuelsson scored both of the goals with Alexandre Bolduc assisting on both and Lucas Lessio helping on one.

Apr 9, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Arizona Coyotes forward Henrik Samuelsson (15) reaches for the puck against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Eddie Lack (31) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

This result saw the Portland Pirates step down from the #8 spot for the first time in weeks. While the Springfield Falcons lost in a shootout to St. John’s, the Pirates lost in regulation to Manchester. This allowed the Falcons to grab a 1 point advantage in the standings.

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Now, behind in the standings, Portland showed up on Saturday and were victorious over the Providence Bruins in another 3-2 result. Fresh-from-Glendale Louis Domingue had 25 saves. Bolduc scored and so did Laurent Dauphin, who was in the QMJHL playoffs with his junior team a week ago. Dylan Reese assisted twice and Lessio assisted on a goal as well.

Unfortunately for the Pirates, Springfield was also victorious and maintained a one point lead. The positive news for Portland was that this signaled the end of the Falcons season, with the Pirates having one game remaining on Sunday. Portland would only need an overtime/shootout loss or win to move on to the playoffs.

Mar 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Brandon Gormley (33) shoots the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday, the game against the Worcester Sharks couldn’t start any better for Portland when Christian Dvorak, who’s London Knights of the OHL were eliminated a few days ago, scored within the first minute of the game. However, after two periods of play, the Pirates trailed the Sharks 4-2.

Knowing this result would end their playoff aspirations, Henrik Samuelsson netted two goals to tie the game. With less than a minute remaining in regulation, Alexandre Bolduc scored the game winner that sent Portland to the postseason.

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The weekend surge was led by Henrik Samuelsson, who had 4 goals and an assist, and Alexandre Bolduc, who had 2 goals and 2 assists. Defenseman Brandon Gormley, among many, pitched in with two assists over the weekend.

Congratulations to the Portland Pirates, who finish the season 39-28-7-2 and in 8th place in the AHL Eastern Conference. They advance to the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs against the #1 seed in the East, the Manchester Monarchs.

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