Rookie defenseman Mike Matheson scored the game-winning goal and added two assists as the Portland Pirates took care of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers by a 6-3 count at Cross Insurance Arena to open a three-game homestand.
After a scoreless first period, Wade Megan (10) collected the game's first goal, from Connor Brickley and Rob Flick, at 6:58 of the second. The tally was Megan's AHL-leading fifth shorthanded goal of the season.
Birdgeport's Justin Vaive quickly countered at 9:02 to even the game. Justin Florek and Ben Holmstrom were credited with the assists.