The Portland Pirates continued their winning ways with a 5-1 victory over the St. John’s IceCaps Friday night at Mile One Centre. The win took place with LBCer Brent Temple on hand.
Leading scorer Rob Schremp scored a goal and added two assists, while defenseman Brent Regner dished out three helpers.
Goaltender Mike McKenna won his ninth straight start, finishing with 29 saves to raise his record to 15-7-1.
The Pirates opened the scoring at 4:56 of the first period when John McFarland (12) dented the twine with the assists going to Schremp and Regner.
Schremp (14) added to the lead with 24 seconds left in the opening frame. The 5-on-3 power-play goal was set up by Cameron Gaunce and Regner.
Greg McKegg (6) lit the lamp at 6:39 of the second period. The assists on the goal were credited to Regner and rookie Mike Matheson.
The IceCaps struck for their only goal at the 12:45 when Bud Holloway beat McKenna for a power-play goal. Morgan Ellis and Lucas Lessio drew the helpers.
Connor Brickley (2), in his first game back after being returned to the Pirates, notched Portland’s second power-play tally of the night, scoring at 7:25 of the third period from Gaunce and Schremp.
Brett Olson (8) completed the scoring with an unassisted empty-net goal with 14 seconds left in regulation.
The Pirates (19-13-1) and IceCaps will meet again tonight in St. John’s.