Matt Marion had two goals and an assist, while Tim Jackson and Kyle McGowan each added a goal as the Patriots defeated the Lincoln - East Providence Co-op Lions by a score of 4-2 at the Thayer Arena on Saturday night.  Noah McHugh, Jack Cavanagh, and Cam Mello also earned assists in the game.  It was the second meeting between the teams this season.  Portsmouth won both games to sweep the series.

The team got off to a slow start in the first period.  Unable to generate any offense, the squad found itself in penalty trouble just minutes into the game.  The Patriots were called for a total of nine minutes in penalties, and the Lions took full advantage of the situation to grab the lead in the game with two power play goals.

The Patriots regrouped during the first intermission and turned the game around right from the start of the faceoff to open the second period.  With his team rolling, Marion boosted its momentum with a power play goal early in the period.  Jackson followed with an even strength tally just sixty-one seconds later to tie the game.  Portsmouth maintained control all the way to the second intermission and carried a 2-2 tie into the dressing room.

When the team returned to the ice for the third period it picked up right where it left off.  Marion added his second goal of the game five minutes into the period.  McGowan padded the lead with an empty net goal with fifty-seven seconds remaining in the third period to make the final score 4-2.

Portsmouth outshot the Lions 28-25 in the game.  Portsmouth goalie, Matt Nordhill, had 23 saves and logged his fifth win of the season

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With the playoffs rapidly approaching, the players are readying themselves for the team’s biggest game of the season.  Today, Sunday, February 12, at the Abbey, the squad will take on its arch rival, the RMR Co-op.  Game time is 4:00 pm.  A large crowd is expected as the two Aquidneck Island teams battle it out in the Patriots’ last regular season home game at the Abbey.  This will be the second meeting between the teams this season.  RMR took the first contest by shutting out the Patriots 3-0 back on December 9^th.    They have since had a successful season and are currently the league leaders in D-II.  For its part Portsmouth is a much improved team since that first meeting and is looking to even the season series at a game apiece.  This is Portsmouth’s biggest game of the season at the Abbey, and you won’t want to miss it.  Come out this afternoon and cheer for the Patriots.  The Abbey will be rocking.  Be part of the fun and support your Portsmouth hockey team.  See you at the rink.