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Sharks Trounce Devils 6-1

March 14, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


LOWELL, MA- Behind a strong goaltending performance by Dimitri Patzold and a balanced offensive attack, the Worcester Sharks trounced the Lowell Devils, 6-1 on Friday evening at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell.

Just like the last time the Sharks (26-28-4-6) played in Lowell on Feb. 6, Worcester led 2-1 after one period, 5-1 after two, and 6-1 at the final horn.

With Springfield idle, the Sharks move to within six points of the Springfield Falcons for the fourth and final Atlantic Division playoff spot. Depending on the result of the Providence at Manchester game, the Sharks will either remain four points behind the Monarchs or creep to within two points of fifth place.

The Sharks struck quickly with a goal only 1:06 into the game. Riley Armstrong made a touch pass at center ice which sprung Lukas Kaspar into the attacking zone. Kaspar took a quick shot from just inside the blue line that snuck its way through the pads of Lowell goaltender Dave Caruso for his 15th of the season. Armstrong was credited with the only assist on the play.

Worcester extended its lead at 7:08 when Marc Busenburg scored his first goal of the season. The defenseman took a shot from the top of the right wing circle. It found its way through traffic and beat Caruso low for the 2-0 advantage. Brad Staubitz and T.J. Fox tallied the assists on the play.

Sharks goaltender Dimitri Patzold started the first period with numerous impressive saves, but couldn't stop a Ryan Murphy shot at 15:37. Stephen Gionta swung the puck in front from behind the net. It trickled to Murphy in the left wing circle who fired a laser that beat Patzold top shelf blocker side to make it 2-1.

In the second period, Armstrong drew a boarding penalty which got everything rolling in the right direction. On the ensuing power play, Mike Iggulden took a shot from the left wing circle. Caruso made the save and Mink swiped at the rebound to no avail. Cavanagh came in on the third chance and backhanded the puck into the open net for his 15th of the season to give Worcester some insurance at 9:10.

The Sharks converted on their second-consecutive man advantage with a nifty sequence of tic-tac-toe passing at 12:22 for the 4-1 advantage. Iggulden made a pass from the left wing circle to Mink in front of the net. Mink made the touch past Caruso for his 21st of the season. Derek Joslin was credited with the other assist on the play.

Staubitz scored his third goal of the season only 1:35 later to extend the Sharks' lead to 5-1. He took a backhand shot from a tough angle along the goal line that bounced off a Lowell defender and in. Busenburg and Armstrong

picked up the assists on the play.

Worcester added a goal for good measure at 16:19 of the third period for the 6-1 final. On the play, Staubitz made the pass which set Armstrong up for his 14th of the season. Staubitz finished with a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (a goal, two assists, and a fight).

The Sharks travel to Springfield on Saturday before returning home to host the Hartford Wolf Pack Sunday at 4:05 p.m. The Sharks will be sporting special St. Patrick's Day jerseys that will then be auctioned off for charity. For more information or to purchase tickets, log on to sharksahl.com or call the Sharks offices at 508-929-0500.

NOTES: Linesman Bob Paquette (#18) fell awkwardly and had to leave the game with an injury at 4:30 of the first period. Referee Nygel Pelletier had to act as the second linesman for the remainder of the game ... Marc Busenburg's goal was his first in the AHL since the 2004-05 season when he played for the Springfield Falcons ... Tom Cavanagh's power play goal ended a three-game drought where the Sharks were 0-12 on the man advantage ... Worcester's three goals and two power play goals in the second period both tied season-highs ... Mike Iggulden tied a Sharks' season-high for assists in a period with two in the second. That mark also tied a personal season-high for assists in a game ... Brad Staubitz set a season-high with three points (1g, 2a) and tied a high with two assists while Marc Busenburg tied a season-high with two points (1g, 1a) ... Staubitz and Pierre-Luc Leblond dropped the gloves at 7:11 of the third period. Leblond hit Nate Raduns high and with Raduns being attended to, the two went at it. Staubitz hit Leblond with a flurry of fists, knocking him out. Leblond fell when skating off the ice and needed to be attended to by the Lowell medical staff. The fight ended a drought of over 270 minutes in the season series without a fight. The last bout was Dec. 30 when Sean Zimmerman and Graham Mink dropped the gloves ... Dimitri Patzold has now only allowed five goals in his six wins on the season ... The final attendance figure was 2,004 ... Patzold had 27 saves on 28 shots for the Sharks while Caruso made 24 stops on 30 shots for Lowell ... Niche Hospitality Group Three Stars: Mezcal 3rd Star: Mink (1g, 1a) Bocado 2nd Star: Staubitz (1g, 2a), Block 5 1st Star: Busenburg (1g, 1a).

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