Manchester Monarchs pulled out with a quick 2-0 lead then added another one early in the next frame in the deciding game 5 of the AHL Calder Cup Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, but Portland Pirates didn’t let it bother them as they answered with three quick tallies including the game-tying goal with .05 seconds left before the final 20 minutes of regulation.
The Monarchs struck twice more to start the third period and never looked back holding off the pesky, never-say-die Pirates to advance into the next round.
Rookie forward Michael Mersch(27) was named the 1st star with a pair of goals, including the game-winner and an assist.