PORTLAND, Maine – Five third period goals proved to be the difference on Saturday night as the Manchester Monarchs fell at the hands of the Maine Mariners, 6-4.
Only former Riley Bourbonnais’ goal 10:54 into the second period prevented Manchester from completely dominating the first 45 minutes of the contest. Zeb Knutson notched a pair of goals for Manchester, as did David Kolomatis and Matt Doherty.
The tide turned minutes after Doherty’s third period goal, with a one-timer by Michael McNicholas.
Ty Ronning added another goal for Maine 8:07 into the third, and the momentum continued to swing following a brawl between Bourbonnais and Doherty. Both men received five-minute majors for the altercation, with Doherty receiving an additional minor for instigating the melee.
Ronning added two more goals after that point, including a short-handed goal halfway through the third, with Vince Pedrie also adding a goal in Maine’s victory.
The loss snaps Manchester’s four-game win streak, leaving them tied with Brampton at 18 points, 11 behind division-leading Newfoundland and one ahead of Maine.
The Monarchs begin a two-game homestand next weekend, hosting the Mariners again on Saturday night, following a contest against Adirondack on Friday night.
