ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland — Defenseman Will O’Neill scored a power-play goal in the second period, and the St. John’s IceCaps avenged a big defeat with a more modest, 1-0 victory over the Portland Pirates at Mile One Center on Saturday night.
A day after the Pirates cruised to an 8-1 victory over the IceCaps, Portland was stymied by St. John’s goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who made 35 saves to record his fourth shutout of the season.
O’Neill’s goal came at 7:45 of the second with Portland’s Greg Carey serving a penalty for too many men on the ice.
Later in the period, the Pirates’ Mark Louis and the IceCaps’ Blair Riley got into a tussle to draw fighting majors.
Portland had opportunities, including six chances with a man advantage – four in the first period.
Jordan Szwarz, Corey Trivino and Tyler Gaudet each fired four shots to lead the Pirates attack.
Portland goalkeeper Mike McKenna stopped 25 shots.
The fifth-place IceCaps improved to 20-22-5-2 in the AHL’s Atlantic Division. Portland fell to 26-19-3-0 and remained in second place.
The Pirates visit the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Friday in the sixth game of a seven-game road stretch.
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