Pirates look to loot the minors

In their inaugural season based out of Portsmouth harbour the Pirates will partake in the franchises (pro or farm) first ever post-season series.

Successfully guided through the regular season to a 3rd place finish by a number of outstanding players Portsmouth fancy their chances against the Binghamton Bilo’s against whom they hold a 4-0-2 regular season record. Two areas where the team struggled against their fancied opponents in the regular season was on the dot and the power-play so veteran coach Jacques Lemaire, in exile on the South coast, will be looking to change that.

The Pirates find themselves in the play-offs thanks to the stellar play of rookie net-minder Anders Nilsson who sported a regular season GAA of 1.95 and SV% .930 going 36-18-6 and 7 shutouts. However his starting place between the pipes is not guaranteed as management preferred to go with the experienced hand of Jason Labarbera down the stretch (8-3-1; 1.99GA; .933%). Who gets the nod in game 1 remains to be seen.

Power forward Enver Lisen (28-35-63; 71 Games Played) and centre Frans Nielsen (22-47-69; 77GP), both acquired in trades by GM Buff, will be expected to lead the team once again with able support from the blue line from veteran Toni Lydman (13-36-49; 231 hits; 113 shots blocked; 78 GP) and key prospect Jack Johnson (19-29-48; 68GP).

The Pirates travel to Binghapton for games 1 and 2 before returning home to the Mary Rose Bowl for games 3 and 4.