After dropping their first two games in Portland, the Connecticut Whale have tied up their best of seven series with the Pirates thanks to goals by Chad Kolarik, John Mitchell and the recently returned Mats Zuccarello.
The Whale lead from the 16:32 mark of the first period right through the end, and allowed just a modest twenty shots on goaltender Dov Grumet-Morris, who stopped nineteen.
Mitchell, acquired in a draft day trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, now has three goals in four playoff games, while Zuccarello picked up a goal and an assist in his first post-season action with Connecticut.
Veteran defenseman Wade Redden picked up the third star of the game with four shots on goal, but was held off the score sheet and was on for the only goal scored by the Pirates.
Game five in the series is on Thursday in Portland.