The Maine Mariners clinched a spot in the Kelly Cup Playoffs on Sunday after they blanked the Greensboro Gargoyles 6-0 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Coupled with the win and a loss by Trois-Rivieres in overtime to Wichita would make the clinching official.
Maine opened up the game after a scoreless first period by scoring five times in the second period. Robert Cronin had the first goal and eventual game winner. Ryan Orgel (one goal, three assists) and Linus Hemstrom (four assists) led the Mariners with four points each. Xander Lamppa added two goals and one assist, and Luke Cavallin recorded the shutout in net with 16 saves. Maine (38-16-6-2) is now only four points behind the Wheeling Nailers for first place in the Northern Division of the Eastern Conference, and in fifth overall in the East. The Mariners will host Trois-Rivieres on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
Photo courtesy of the Maine Mariners
