The Patriots moved boldly into the Lion’s den Saturday night and came away with their third shutout win of the campaign.  That would be the Lincoln - East Providence Co-op Lions on their home ice at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, where Portsmouth won a hard earned 2-0 victory over their opponent.

But the team’s success had a cost, as the Patriots were assessed fifty-seven minutes in penalties during the contest.   Forty-nine of those minutes came in the final period resulting in the team skating shorthanded for just over nine minutes, including a 2:30 stretch when the penalty killers faced a five-on-three situation.

The Lions took full advantage of the extended power play opportunity launching sixteen of their twenty-four shots in the game during the third period.  It was outstanding defense and spectacular goaltending by Matt Nordhill in front of the net for the Patriots that saved the day.

While defense was the order of the game in the third period, it was Portsmouth that controlled the play during the rest of the game.  Christian Schenck with an assist from Michael Adkins provided all the scoring necessary for the win in the first period.  Jake Fagan cushioned the team’s lead in the second period with his second goal of the season.  His tally was assisted by Mike Alves and came on the only power play the Patriots had in the game.

The shutout was the third of the campaign for both the team and Nordhill, and tied the regular season marks on two longstanding Patriots records.  As a team, Portsmouth first held opponents scoreless in three games during the 1999-2000 season.  Squads have since equaled that standard in four different seasons.  The most recent occurred during the 2009-10 campaign on the way to winning Portsmouth’s second state championship title.  The Patriots’ mark for regular season shutouts by an individual goalie also stands at three.  That record was established during the 2003-04 season by James Farrea.  It was equaled by Brendan Hammatt in 2006 - 07, and Corey Martin in 2008-09.  Nordhill now joins that group of all-star goalies in the Patriots’ record book.

Now two thirds of the way through the regular season the Patriots’ record stands at six wins, four losses, and two ties.  With fourteen points the team currently stands in third place in D-II South and sixth place overall in D-II.  The squad has six games remaining before the playoffs begin.

Portsmouth has two games on tap this week.  First up is a rematch with RMR, the co-op team of Rogers, Middletown, and Rocky Hill.  That game, originally scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 4, has been moved to this Thursday, February 2, at 7:30 at the Abbey.  It might be Groundhog Day, but the Patriots will be looking to not repeat the results of its previous meeting with RMR at the beginning of the season.  The squad was shutout 3-0 in that contest.  As always a capacity crowd is expected at the Abbey for this game.  RMR has a large following and this is the big rivalry game of the season.  The Patriots can use you support for this game.  Dress warmly, the game is, after all, at the Abbey, and get their early to be sure you get a parking spot.  But get to the game and cheer for Portsmouth!

Friday evening, February 3, the team hosts South Kingstown in its second and final regular season game with the Skippers.  Prior to the on-ice action the team will hold its annual seniors recognition event where it honors the players who will be graduating this spring, along with their parents, at the last game on their home ice.  The ceremony will take place just before the puck drops to start the game at 6:00 pm.  Head to the Abbey Friday and applaud the seniors and their parents.  Then root for the Patriots as they continue their run to the playoffs.

See you at the rink.