The Lincoln Lions came to the Abbey Wednesday night and handed the Patriots their fourth loss in five games as they skated off to a 5-1 win.  Portsmouth’s lone goal was scored by Liam Griffiths in the second period when he snagged his own rebound and put it in the net for his first goal of the season.  Max Dooley was credited with the assist on the tally.

The Lions built a three goal lead before Griffiths scored, and pretty much controlled the play the entire game.  They added one more goal at the end of the second period and were never threatened after that.  Portsmouth managed only three shots in the third period, while Lincoln padded their lead with a fifth goal toward the end of regulation time.

Portsmouth was outshot 32-27 in the game.  Goalie Sam Stamoulis made 27 saves for the Patriots.

As seems to have nearly always been the case in past games with Lincoln, the Patriots ran into penalty troubles once again.  This time they racked up 34 minutes in penalties to just 4 for the Lions.  The squad ran five successful penalty kills during the game, but was unable to score on its two power play opportunities.

The team remains in fifth place in D-II despite the loss, but will likely drop in the standings soon.  The three squads ranked behind them are all within three or fewer points and each now has two games in hand.

The Patriots have only two games left in the regular season before the playoffs begin.  Both will be on their home ice at the Abbey.  Next Sunday, February 16, the team will host the South Kingstown Rebels at noon, in the second meeting of the season between the teams.  Then on the following Sunday, February 23, at 1:00 pm, the Toll Gate Titans will roll into town for the final game of the regular season for both teams.  In accordance with tradition, Portsmouth will recognize the seniors on both squads, and honor its own nine players who will be skating in their last regular home game with a special ceremony.  Head to the Abbey, enjoy the games, and root for the Patriots.  See you at the rink.