Faceoff Factor

WBS Pens vs. Portland Pirates Series Preview

Eric Politowski | WBS "Baby" Penguins

May 12, 10:41 AM | Hype this story!

After defeating the Philadelphia Phantoms in the East Division Final series 4-1, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Baby Penguins will take on the Portland Pirates in the Eastern Conference Finals.

SERIES PREVIEW

Welcome to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins vs. Portland Pirates series preview. First, here’s a look back at the 2007-2008 season, and how the two teams matched up against one another.

In regular season play, the teams have split wins. On January 25, 2008 the Penguins fell to the Pirates, 2-1. C Nathan Smith scored the lone goal for the Pens that game.

The second time the two teams met, the Penguins won with a final score of 3-0. Forwards Kurtis McLean, Chris Minard, and Tyler Kennedy scored the goals for the Penguins.

The good news is that back-up G Dave Brown was in net for the Penguins when they fell to the Pirates, 2-1. Starting goaltender John Curry was in net to pick up the 3-0 shutout.

The Portland Pirates are the Anaheim Ducks’ AHL minor league affiliate. A player to watch out for on the Pirates is RW Bobby Ryan. Ryan finished the year with 49 points in 48 games.

GOALTENDER MATCH-UP

The Penguins will be shooting against former-Baby Pen, goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin. Aubin was traded from the Los Angeles Kings organization to the Ducks organization a few months ago. Aubin has recorded a 2.38 GAA and a .914 save percentage in this years playoffs.

John Curry will most definitely be starting for the Penguins again on Wednesday for Game 1. Curry has a 2.48 GAA and a .911 save percentage in the playoffs.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

The Baby Pens play their first two games at home, at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza.

Game 1 — Wednesday, May 14

Game 2 — Thursday, May 15

Game 3 — Sunday, May 18 @ POR

Game 4 — Tuesday, May 20 @ POR

—————————————————————

Game 5 — Wednesday, May 21 @ POR

Game 6 — Friday, May 23

Game 7 — Saturday, May 24