PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rookie Kris Versteeg scored two goals and Providence capitalized on four of nine power plays to defeat the Portland Pirates, 6-3, in American Hockey League action Friday.

Versteeg scored his first goal on a power play at 7:29 of the first period, and Portland (14-8-0-2) tied it on a short-handed goal by Zenon Knopka at 13:25.

The Bruins broke the game open by scoring a season-high four goals in the second period, by rookie T.J. Trevelyen on a power play, Bobby Allen, Versteeg and Nate Dempsey on a power play. Providence was skating with a 4-on-3 advantage when Dempsey scored.

Portland’s Colby Genoway pumped home a power-play goal after Allen scored but Providence led 5-2 after two periods.

The teams traded power-play goals in the third. Aaron Rome scored unassisted at 3:01 but Pascal Pelletier countered at 18:37.

Phillipe Sauve stopped 14 shots for Providence en route to the 100th victory of his pro career.

Nathan Marsters allowed five goals on 21 shots for Portland and was replaced in the third period by Dov Grumet-Morris.

AP-ES-12-08-06 2208EST


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