Matt Faria scored an unassisted goal five minutes into the first period, but that was the only tally of the night for the Patriots as the team dropped a 3-1 decision to the Barrington Eagles, Friday at the Abbey.  New to the schedule this season, the contest was the final matchup with a Division I team before the playoffs begin next weekend.  As a league game for the Eagles it was important for their standing in the division as the regular season draws to a close.  On the other hand, the game was considered a non-league event for the Patriots and had no bearing on the team’s bid for the top seed in Division II.  That will be determined tomorrow in the squad’s final game of the campaign against RMR.

Portsmouth had beaten the Eagles earlier in the season in an unofficial scrimmage game, but the focus of both teams was different this time.  Barrington needed the win to bolster its bid for a top seed in its division, and Portsmouth was clearly anticipating tomorrow’s clash with RMR.  Still, although the Patriots were unable to score after Faria put the team on the scoreboard, they made Barrington work for its victory.  Portsmouth outshot the Eagles 29-15.

In a move planned before the game, Portsmouth switched its goalies at the halfway mark of the second period.  Matt Nordhill started the game and allowed one goal on seven shots in 22 minutes of play.  He was replaced by Gage Aguiar who finished the remaining 23 minutes of the game giving up two goals on eight shots.

Tomorrow, the Patriots wrap up their regular season play at the Abbey where they will meet the RMR Co-op at 2:30 pm.  The game will be a showdown for the top seed in the division, with the winner entering a tiebreaker with East Greenwich for first place, and the loser sliding to fourth place in the final standings.  The game will also be Portsmouth’s Senior Recognition Game where the nine seniors on the team will be officially honored in a ceremony before the game.

This is the game to see.  Don’t miss it.  See you at the rink.