OFFENSE STRUGGLES IN ROAD LOSS TO WORCESTER

PORTLAND, ME – October 20, 2018 – Although they won the shot battle for the first time this season, the Mariners could only muster one goal on Saturday night in a 4-1 loss to the Worcester Railers at DCU Center in Worcester. The loss dropped them to 0-3-0-0 on the season.

At 16:21 of the opening period, Tyler Barnes took a feed from Nick Bligh and made a dazzling move through the Mariners defense, lifting a backhand past goaltender Brandon Halverson for a 1-0 Worcester lead, and the only goal of the first period.

Mike Cornell doubled the lead at 8:01 of the second when his wrist shot just barely got through Halverson and trickled across the goal line. At 15:56, Jeff Kubiak made it 3-0 when his screen shot got through. The Mariners outshot the Railers 15-11 in the frame but found themselves down by a trio of goals.

The Mariners would finally break through at 4:59 of the third period when Riley Bourbonnais scored his first goal of the season. Terrence Wallin’s shot popped up in the air and Bourbonnais buried the rebound before Railers goaltender Mitch Gillam could find it. Gillam made a key save on a Jason Salvaggio breakaway to keep the margin at two before defenseman Ryan MacKinnon restored the three goal lead for Worcester with a sharp angle shot that deflected and beat Connor LaCouvee, who had relieved Halverson at the start of the period. Gillum stopped 33 of 34 to earn his second win. Halverson took the loss.

The Mariners return home for their third game in as many days on Sunday afternoon against the Newfound Growlers at 3:00 PM. It’s “scout day” along with a postgame skate with the team for all who purchase a ticket to the game. Skates must be brought and checked in at the C.N. Brown Landing upon entering the gate and all fans under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Individual tickets can be purchased HERE.