The Portland Pirates are receiving an offensive boost prior to game one of their best-of-seven Atlantic Division semifinals series against the Manchester Monarchs, which gets underway tonight at the Cumberland County Civic Center, as Nathan Gerbe has been returned by the Buffalo Sabres.

Gerbe has been with the Sabres since he was recalled back on Mar. 28 where he played in eight games with the Sabres, scoring a goal and two assists for three points.

This was the second time Gerbe had been recalled by the Sabres this season. When he left for Buffalo back on Mar. 28, he was fourth in Pirates scoring with 38 points (11g, 27a) in 44 games.

Gerbe’s return to Portland most likely signals the end of the road for Felix Schutz unless a forward is injured during this series. Schutz was practicing this week at center on a line with Mark Mancari and Brad Larsen. It most likely means that newly signed forward Luke Adam will be moved from wing to center, where he has been practicing all week.

Either way we’ll find out tonight when game one begins at 7:00pm.