Sharks Take The Devils By The Horns, 3-2
December 27, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
WORCESTER, MA - The Worcester Sharks scored first and never looked back as they defeated the Lowell Devils by a score of 3-2 at the DCU Center Sunday night. It was the second victory of the season for the Sharks against the Devils and moves Worcester back into the 4th spot in the Atlantic Division.
Brandon Mashinter's third period goal proved to be the game-winner. Logan Couture added a goal as well to overtake Stephen Zalewski for the team lead in goals with 11.
Both teams were held scoreless in the first period of action, despite Worcester controlling much of the play. Lowell earned the only power play of the period when the Sharks' Danny Groulx was sent off for tripping. However, the Devils did not register a shot and were unable to convert with the man advantage. The Sharks' best opportunity came on a Benn Ferriero drive from the right circle, but it was blocked aside by Lowell netminder Mike McKenna. Worcester outshot Lowell by a margin of 11-4 in the period.
Worcester hopped on the board first just 1:39 into the second period when Couture's (11th) circus shot from behind the net banked in off McKenna's pads. Ferriero earned one assist, extending his point streak to four games, and Zalewski picked up the other helper. Devils captain Stephen Gionta was awarded a penalty shot at 7:58, but his attempt went high over the net of Alex Stalock. Andrew Desjardins extended the Sharks lead to 2-0 at 14:23 of the period, beating McKenna off of a rebound. Dan DaSilva and John McCarthy each picked up assists. Lowell answered on the power play at 17:43 of the period. Ben Walter collected a loose puck in front of the net and banged home his 11th of the season. Michael Swift and Matt Halischuk assisted on the goal. The Sharks outshot the Devils, 15-5.
The Sharks regained their two-goal lead when Mashinter (8th) knocked home a rebound at 6:58 of the 3rd period to make the score, 3-1. McKenna denied the initial blast from Dennis McCauley, but could not get to the Mashinter shot. Lowell cut the deficit in half 13:50 into the period off an offensive zone face-off. Nick Palmieri (11th) muscled his way in front and beat Stalock. Swift collected the lone assist, his second of the game. The Sharks survived a late flurry from the Devils to take the victory, 3-2. Worcester controlled the shot total in the period, 13-7.
With the win, the Sharks move to 18-12-0-2 (38 points) on the season and currently sit in 4th place in the Atlantic Division.
Notes: Three Stars: (3) Michael Swift (two assists), (2) Andrew Desjardins (goal), (1) Brandon Mashinter (game-winning goal)...Alex Stalock made 15 saves in net for Worcester for his 16th win of the season...Final shots were 41-17 in favor of Sharks... Ferriero has a four-game point streak (2-5-7)... Couture has points in five straight games (2-7-9)... Stalock has started six straight games... Dennis McCauley picked up his 5th fighting major of the season when he took down Myles Stoesz... A visiting team has never scored on a penalty shot against the Sharks in the DCU Center.
The Sharks continue their FIVE game home stand on Tuesday, December 29th with a 7:05p.m. battle against the first place Manchester Monarchs.
Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices! Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:
* Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center
* Significant savings off box office ticket prices
* Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)
Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.
All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.
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