November 15, 2012

The Islanders stretched their win streak to six straight with a hard fought 3-2 win over the Portland Pirates in Saco, Maine.  IHC Goaltender Mark Hochman stopped 47 shots in sealing the win for the visitors. 

The Islanders struck gold on the first shift of the game when big Providence-bound winger Connor MacPhee lit the lamp 40 seconds after puck drop.  MacPhee scooped the puck up in the neutral zone and barreled down the right wing on a developing two-on-one attack.  MacPhee looked off the defenseman, held the puck and patiently tucked the puck past Portland goalie Chris Paulin.

Mike Jamieson increased the IHC lead to 2-0 banging home a loose puck at the goalmouth.  Portland answered quickly cutting the lead in half when Trevor Fleurent netted his 8^th goal of the year to make it 2-1 at first intermission.

Chris Izmirlian scored on the Islander power play for the lone goal of the second period to give the visiting IHC a 3-1 lead.  Paulin and Hochman both made key stops in the period as both clubs traded 5-on-3 power plays.

The Islanders opened the third period on the power play, but failed to convert.  Portland, on the other hand, followed immediately with a power play of their own and the Pirates stalwart leading scorer Haralds Egle scored to cut the lead to 3-2.

Both clubs exchanged scoring opportunities throughout the third period, but were stymied by Hochman and Paulin. 

The Islanders are back in action Friday in Hooksett, NH against the Monarchs and then return home to face the Springfield Pics in the final game before Thanksgiving Holiday.