A four-goal first period deficit cost the Salem Ice Dogs, which could not recover and fell to the Portland Jr Pirates, 9-1.

Salem was stymied by Portland netminder New Player, who stopped 31 shots during the victory.

The Jr Pirates' penalty kill excelled, as Portland gave up zero goals despite allowing seven power plays.

The Jr Pirates were often in penalty trouble, totaling 12 minors and one major for 29 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 21.0 minutes per game Portland had been spending in the box. The Jr Pirates forced the Ice Dogs' netminders to work without much rest, getting 57 shots and forcing 48 saves. Shawn Horton made nine stops and Bradley Radin made 39. Portland stifled Salem's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Jr Pirates surpassed their usual scoring output this season. Portland averages 1.9 goal per game.

The Jr Pirates were helped by Evan Jewell, who registered one goal. Jewell scored 17:54 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Portland. Justin Munck provided the assist. Portland additionally got points from Player, who also finished with two goals and one assist, Liam Slyne, who also grabbed one goal and two assists, Jason Harmon, who also had one goal and one assist, and Nathan Bergeron, who also finished with two goals and one assist to lead the team in points. Kenneth Richards also scored for Portland. More assists for Portland came via Gregory Lodge, Deivids Jasis, Dennis Patenaude, and Taylor Browne, who each chipped in one.

The Ice Dogs racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with nine minors and one major for 23 minutes in penalty time. Salem had been averaging 14.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Ice Dogs' offense rang up 32 shots on Portland's net.

Salem also got a goal from Michael Kelleher as well. In addition, Salem received assists from Christopher Minter, who had one.

The Jr Pirates registered one goal on six power play opportunities.