The Captain Saves the Sharks in OT, 3-2
Published on April 15, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
WORCESTER - Worcester blew a late two-goal lead in the third period, but the captain Ryan Vesce's overtime game-winning goal with 56 seconds remaining lifted the Sharks to a 3-2 victory in game two of their first round series against the Lowell Devils at the DCU Center. Vesce has scored the only two overtime playoff goals in Sharks franchise history. The best-of-seven series is now tied, 1-1, and will head to Lowell for games three, four, and five.
Derek Joslin and Danny Groulx scored during regulation for the Sharks as they raced out to an early 2-0 advantage. The team that has scored first has now won all 12 contests in this series, regular season included.
Worcester looked to gain the early advantage, but Andrew Desjardins' initial goal from the high slot was disallowed after referee Mark Lemelin ruled that Dan DaSilva interfered with Mike McKenna. Lowell then went on back-to-back power plays immediately following the disallowed goal, but was unable to convert on either opportunity. The Sharks then used a power play of their own to build momentum in the attacking zone and just after the man advantage ended, at the 7:36 mark of the opening period, the Sharks struck. Joslin (1) slapped one from the point that snuck through a maze of bodies in front of the net and past McKenna, putting the Sharks in front, 1-0. Steven Zalewski and Justin Braun earned the other assists. Worcester stretched the lead to 2-0 when Groulx (1) wristed one to the top corner past McKenna as he was screened by Desjardins at the 13:48 mark. DaSilva and John McCarthy picked up the assists. The teams skated to locker rooms with Worcester ahead by two despite the Sharks being outshot, 15-10.
Neither side scored in the second period as Worcester held the advantage on the shot chart, 9-6.
The physical play escalated severely in the third period with 16 combined penalty minutes called in less than a three minute span that included several scrums and a battle between the two benches. Lowell benefited from the physical play as they scored two goals nine seconds apart, to tie the game at 2-2. The Devils first goal came off a hard wrist-shot from the blue line by Tyler Eckford (1). Lowell knotted the game at 2-2 just nine seconds later when Patrick Davis (1) banged home a rebound off a hard Brad Snetsinger shot. It would remain that way and the teams headed for sudden-death overtime, 2-2. Lowell outshot Worcester, 9-6.
Vesce (1) scored the game-winning overtime goal with 56 seconds left in overtime after he took a pass from T.J. Trevelyan on an odd-man rush, and beat McKenna glove-side. The Sharks outshot the Devils, 10-6 in the overtime period.
Worcester has evened the best-of-seven series, 1-1. The series now shifts to Lowell on Saturday for game three at the Tsongas Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
Notes: Three Stars: (3) Derek Joslin (1-0-1)...(2) Patrick Davis (1-0-1)...(1) Ryan Vesce (GWG)...Alex Stalock made 33 saves for the Sharks...Mike McKenna made 32 saves for the Devils...Final shots were even 35-35...Worcester went 0-4 (1-8 series) on the power play...Lowell was 0-5 (1-10) on the power play... Worcester is now 1-3 in Game Twos of the Calder Cup Playoffs...Dan DaSilva is now 1-2-3 in the first two games of the series...Ryan Vesce has scored both of Worcester's overtime playoff goals in franchise history...Justin Braun's assist was his first career playoff point...Worcester is now 2-3 in overtime playoff games.
2010 Playoff tickets are on sale now! As of now, only the first two Sharks home games in the first round are on sale "Games A & B." Season ticket holders will get the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs for FREE by placing a deposit on season tickets for the 2010-11 Sharks season by April 10th. Ticket strips for the first round (possible four games) and the entire playoff package (possible 16 games) are on sale now. Save up to 20% off Box Office prices by purchasing the first round or the entire playoff package today! For more information call the Sharks front office at 508-929-0500.
The Sharks are already taking deposits for their 5th season in Worcester! Jump in today and save over 30% off box office prices! Find out how to get the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs for FREE by calling the Sharks front office 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.
American Hockey League Stories from April 15, 2010
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