Portsmouth returned to post-season play for the first time in three years Friday night and faced off with the number two ranked South Kingstown Rebels at the Boss Arena on the campus of the University of Rhode Island.  Other than the three seniors on the ice for the Patriots, high school playoff hockey was a completely new experience for every player on the team before the opening faceoff.  But while Portsmouth came out on the losing end of the 2-0 final score, it was not the squad’s inexperience that cost it the game.  In fact, throughout the entire contest the Patriots clearly showed they could compete with South Kingstown, and in several key aspects actually outplayed the Rebels.  In a game that was fast paced and hard hitting right the start, the winning factor was the impressive performance the Rebels got from their goalie, Brandon Barnes.

 

While Barnes stopped every one of Portsmouth’s 29 shots, the majority of them were easy saves for him.  Portsmouth, for the most part, did not create screening traffic in front of the Rebels net giving, Barnes a clear view of the shots.  South Kingstown’s defense did its part by keeping most of Portsmouth’s shots from the perimeter.  Although the Patriots scoring efforts were not successful, the team did have a number of good opportunities.

 

The Patriots went on the power six times in the game but failed to score on any of them.  Individually there were other opportunities as well.  One shot hit a post and several others missed the net when Barnes was out of position.

 

The Patriots, who excelled on defense during the regular season, applied the same skills to this first playoff game, as well.  The Rebels two goals came in the first period on nine shots, half of their total for the entire game.  Portsmouth’s defense limited South Kingstown to eight shots in the second period and held the Rebels to just a single shot in the third period.  Freshman goalie, Gage Aguiar, made 16 saves in his playoff debut for the Patriots, including a number of difficult saves on good scoring opportunities by the Rebels.

 

Portsmouth was called for only two penalties in the game, both in the third period.  Only one of the infractions resulted in a penalty kill situation, which the team handled effectively.

 

Based on the game last night, and recalling the final regular season meeting between the two squads, which the Patriots won in overtime, it is apparent both teams are well matched for this series.  If Portsmouth finds a way to get the scoring it needs, the outcome of Game 2 could be different.

 

That Game 2 will be played at the Abbey tonight at 7:00 pm.  The Patriots will be working hard to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win on their home ice.  This is the team’s most important game of the campaign, and, even with a win, it is likely the final opportunity to see the players in action at the Abbey until next season.  The squad would love to have your support.  Get to the Abbey and make some noise for Portsmouth.  See you there tonight – at the rink.

 

Note:  Playoff games tend to attract large crowds; meaning a lot of cars in the parking lot.  There is another playoff game immediately before the Portsmouth - South Kingstown contest.  That crowd will still be in the rink - and their cars in the parking area - when spectators for the Patriots - Rebels match-up begin to arrive.  As if that wasn’t enough of a problem, the lot at the Abbey’s Hockey Rink still has piles of snow taking up some of the parking spots, so there are fewer available than usual.  The rink manager recommends that spectators carpool to the rink if possible to help with the parking availability problem.