Portland Pirates: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

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The Portland Pirates have a new affiliate this year to look forward to their new season. Last year Manchester knocked them out of the first round of the playoffs which is a shame because Manchester is now an ECHL team and therefore, no revenge can be exacted. Last year the Panthers had Goalie issues, and if those continue, the Pirates may struggle this year, but at least they aren't partnered with the Arizona Coyotes.

Home Opener: Saturday Oct. 17
Opponent: Hershey Bears
Analysis: Like the Bears, Portland opens on the road, unlike the Bears, Portland comes home much sooner. After one game against Providence, the Pirates come home to face divisional foe Hershey and have a week of rest before doing so. Ice is a little tilted in Portland's favor, but don't take that as a guarantee.

Opponents:
1. Providence Bruins
Last year the Bruins and the Panthers were in a tightly contested wild card race that neither of them won. If things go similarly this year, it could be more of the same, putting extra heat on this rivalry. More importantly they face the Bruins more than any other opponent, so it will be really familiar competition for the fourteen games, evenly matched home and away. Plus, Maine is still mostly Bruins territory if I recall, so its a great chance to see the Bs without a long drive.

2. Springfield Falcons
Last year Pirates were an Arizona Coyotes affiliate. This year the Coyotes are a Falcons affiliate. See where I'm going with this? Not only are they divisional rivals, but some of the players that moved with the Coyotes, will feel right at home. Well, not just because they played there last year, but also because Falcons and Pirates face off twelve times.

3. Utica Comets
They face off four total times, and aren't divisional opponents, Why bother with this game? Because Utica is a classic AHL team some other teams don't get to face off against. Plus I'm sick of writing about the Baby Pens and Phantoms.

4. Bridgeport Sound Tigers
As I mentioned before, Bridgeport has a lot to prove. But if they can't prove it, than the five times they face off in the Cross Insurance Arena have high probability of being wins. And if you want to go to a game, why not try to make it a game you're pretty sure the home team can win.

5. Hartford Wolfpack
They face off ten times and are part of my AHL Original Six. A divisional opponent, with history, whom was a playoff contender last year, and faces off with your team a fair amount? It's a winning combination for good hockey.