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Monarchs win playoff opener, 5-2

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Highlights from Manchester’s 5-2 win over Portland in Game 1:

I’m hoping to speak with a member or two of the Kings’ contingent in Manchester to learn more about last night’s win, but those chats might not take place until later today. Until then, there are recaps from the Union-Leader and Mayor’s Manor.

Of the highlights above, pay attention to the second Monarchs goal, scored during a period of extended zone time as Manchester moved the puck around crisply and didn’t force anything or turn the puck over before Brian O’Neill drove to the front of the net and chipped an Andrew Bodnarchuk rebound past Mike McKenna. There were several standout Mersch-Shore-O’Neill cycles before the puck was worked high to Bodnarchuk.

Also impressive: O’Neill’s second goal. After a Vincent LoVerde point shot was knocked down by Portland forward Phil Lane, O’Neill provided immediate pressure and in a heads up play stripped Lane of the puck by backhanding it into the net.

Said Monarchs coach Mike Stothers to the New Hampshire Union Leader:

“It wasn’t a great game on either side. I think you can expect both teams to play better. I think there was a little bit of a feeling out process. Playoffs are the start of a new season and we have played each other a lot…I think both teams will play better on Saturday, I really do.”

Game 2 will be held the Verizon Wireless Arena at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 25.

The box score, courtesy of AHL.com:
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