By DAN HICKLING

PORTLAND, Maine -- Out of mind, out of the memory banks.
That’s how the Portland Pirates are dealing with last Sunday’s lopsided 5-1 loss to the Providence Bruins in Game 3 of their Atlantic Division semifinal series.
Since that one is in the books and unrepairable, the Pirates would rather focus on matters within their power.
Such as a strong effort in Thursday’s Game 4, to be staged at the Civic Center (7 p.m.).
A win would square the best of seven series a two games each.
A loss?
The Pirates would rather not think about it.
“Put that game behind us,” said veteran winger Colin Murphy, following Tuesday‘s brisk one hour workout at Portland Ice Arena. “That’s why it’s a seven game series. It doesn’t matter about that game anymore. We know we can beat these guys. It’s just a matter of going out and doing it.”
What the Pirates aren’t doing so far is getting pucks past Providence goalie Tuukka Rask.
They’ve netted a measly two goals in the last two games, and have yet to convert a power play opportunity in the series.
That, the Pirates say, will have to change, come Thursday.
“It’s been all our doing,” said winger Kyle Rank. “We didn’t capitalize on our power plays. They’re a good team. They’re going to make you pay when you don’t play well.”
Murphy said that the Pirates’ mettle has been tested before, and that they’ve always found the will to respond.
He said he expects nothing different from the club going forward.
“We’ve had games like this before,” he said, “and we’ve bounced back with a better effort the next game. We’re not worried about it at all.”

While every Pirate has struggled in the offensive zone, the club’s top line -- the threesome of Tim Kennedy, Mathieu Darche, and Nathan Gerbe -- have come under the greatest scrutiny.
The trio has yet to register a point in the three games thus far.
So, Portland coach Kevin Dineen has done what all coaches do. Tinker with the lines.
Tuesday found Kennedy skating at left wing on a line with Marek Zagrapan and Mark Mancari, with Murphy taking his place with Darche and Gerbe. Darche, who was playing right wing, was in the pivot during practice.
Dineen cautioned against reading too much into the moves.
“They’ll probably switch again tomorrow,” he said. “They were different yesterday, and they’re different today. They might be different tomorrow. There’s not a whole lot of rhyme or reason to it. Except that we’re trying to sell to all our players that it doesn’t matter who you’re on the wing with.”

Dineen was reminded that several of his former Pirate players are now enjoying great success in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Ex-Bucs Drew Miller, Bobby Ryan, and Andrew Ebbett all contributed mightly to Anaheim’s wins at San Jose, while tough guy Shawn Thornton surprised everyone by scoring for Boston in its 4-2 win at Montreal.
Not to be forgotten, Anaheim goalie Jonas Hiller is an early Conn Smythe Trophy favorite.
Dineen played a hand in getting all those players up to the National Hockey League.
True to his modest nature, however, Dineen deftly deflects any credit.
“Those ‘Pesky Pirates’”, he said. “They all spent a significant amount of time here. You hear about how Dustin Pedroia was here for a while (with the Portland Sea Dogs) and how people are excited about the Red Sox connetion.
“You’re a very small piece of the puzzle with these players. I’m a big believer that good players make good coaches. And if my name gets associated with their success, it’s a real bonus for me.”

Defenseman Chris Butler is back with the club after missing Game 3 due to an undisclosed family emergency…The Pirates were to have made a significant announcement, Tuesday, then cancelled a press conference that had been set for Portland City Hall. That will now take place on Thursday…The Pirates report that plenty of good seats are available for Thursday’s contest.