The Portland Pirates had their six-game winning streak come to an end with a 5-2 loss in Hartford to the Wolf Pack on Tuesday. It was the AHL club’s first defeat in eighteen days and came with number one goaltender Mike McKenna, who earned all six of the victories, getting the night off.
Hartford’s Tyler Brown opened the scoring, with his first of the campaign, 10:20 into the first period with the lone assist going to Chris McCarthy.
Ryan Bourque added to the lead 2:11 later with Ryan Graves and Tommy Hughes picking up the assists.
Nick Tarnasky scored the only goal of the second to make it 3-0 Wolf Pack. McCarthy and Brown drew the helpers, giving each player two points.
Defenseman Mat Bodie lit the lamp 1:39 into the final frame, from Brian Gibbons, to put the home team up by four.
Chase Balisy finally got the Pirates on the board at the 7:04 mark. Sena Acolatse and Kyle Rau collected the assists on Balisy fourth of the season.
Portland drew within two when John McFarland bagged his tenth goal, a power-play marker at 13:13, with the assists going to Garrett Wilson and Cameron Gaunce. McFarland matched his career high in goals in just 28 games played.
Chad Nehring completed the scoring with an unassisted, shorthanded empty-net goal with 40 seconds left in regulation.
Sam Brittain took the loss, his second in a row, finishing with 34 saves. Jeff Malcolm made 32 stops to post the win for Hartford.
Portland (16-12-1) will host the Providence Bruins in New Year’s Eve action from Cross Insurance Arena to open a three-game homestand.