Around the boards (12/14): Pirates blanked by Monarchs

The Portland Pirates opened a 4-in-5 stretch by being blanked 4-0 by the Manchester Monarchs in a disappointing performance on Friday night at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

The Monarchs scored 3 power play goals in the American Hockey League matchup.
Former University of Maine standout Teddy Purcell was among the 4 different goal-scorers for Manchester (11-11-2-1). Rookie Erik Ersberg made 21 saves for his 1st professional shutout.

After back-to-back Saturday-Sunday games at home against Springfield, Portland (14-11-1-1) will play host to Manchester at Alfond Arena in Orono on Tuesday.

QMJHL

LEWISTON 3, RIMOUSKI 1: Stefano Giliati had a goal and an assist and Peter Delmas made 18 saves on the road to lead the Maineiacs to a home-and-home sweep of the Oceanic.

Danick Paquette netted his 14th goal of the season for Lewiston (21-13-1-1), and Marc Bourgeois also scored.