This pro hockey version of March Madness is a form of suffocation when a team is on the playoff bubble, as the Monarchs have been.
Last night the Monarchs gained a little breathing room in their Atlantic Division playoff race, extending their lead over fifth-place Springfield to three points after a 2-0 victory over the Portland Pirates before 6,038 in Verizon Wireless Arena.
Brady Murray and Matt Moulson scored while goaltender Dan Taylor (13-5-2) backed his team-leading fourth shutout of the season.
"I was lucky tonight," said Taylor. "I thought I had some bounces for sure, but we came out with a win and we'll take it this time of the year."
UnionLeader.com - New Hampshire news - Monarchs ease playoff tension - Thursday, Mar. 27, 2008
Monarchs ease playoff tension (Union Leader) 
