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Sharks Grab Point in Overtime Loss at Connecticut

December 17, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


HARTFORD, CT - Sharks rookie defenseman Matt Irwin extended his point streak to four games with his 6th goal of the season but Whale winger Chad Kolarik scored with 30 seconds remaining in the overtime period to defeat the Sharks, 3-2, Friday night at the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

Brandon Mashinter also scored for the Sharks; Alex Stalock was sharp in net making 23 saves, and the two teams combined for 66 penalty minutes in the chippy Atlantic Division battle.

The first period saw a little bit of everything including three fights and a disputed goal at the final buzzer. Kevin Henderson and Jared Nightingale kick-off the unpleasantries at 1:35 mixing it up in the Connecticut zone. Whale rookie Kelsey Tessier (5th) scored his third goal against Worcester this season, slapping the puck into an empty net after the initial shot was blocked from the right point. Soon after, Brandon Mashinter and Justin Soryal tangled in a lengthy bout after T.J. Trevelyan was knocked down from behind at 6:36. Sharks captain Jay Leach grabbed Jared Nightingale after a scrum in the Whale zone and the two went toe-to-toe at 19:04. With Mats Zuccarello in the box for interference, the Sharks struck on a 4-on-3 power play as Matt Irwin (6th) fired a shot from forty feet through a screen and passed Chad Johnson at 19:59. After much discussion, the goal was counted and the two teams headed off to the dressing room tied at 1-1.

Jonathan Cheechoo left game action in the first minute of the 2nd period after he was boarded by Mats Zuccarello behind the Connecticut net. The Sharks took a 2-1 lead shortly after Alex Stalock made a terrific stop on Mats Zuccarello on a Whale 2-on-1. Brandon Mashinter (6th) charged down the left wing and fired a rocket on the rush at 7:13 to give the sharks their first lead. The Whale tied the score on the power play as Jeremy Williams (16th) fired a slap shot from the left circle that handcuffed Stalock and trickled over the goal line at 16:05. Dan DaSilva and Ryan Garlock dropped the mitts for the games 4th fight at 17:25 as the two teams hit the intermission tied at 2-2.

Worcester had three power plays in the final ten minutes of the third period but could not score as the two teams headed to overtime for the third straight game. The score was tied 2-2 after 60 minutes with Worcester holding a 27-22 shot advantage.

Chad Kolarik (11th) sent the Whale faithful home happy with a terrific shot down the left wing as Connecticut broke into the Sharks zone with an odd man rush at 4:30 of overtime for a 3-2 Whale victory.

The Sharks record falls to 15-8-2-4 with 36 points and to 7-4-1-3 away from the DCU Center.

Notes: Perfect Game Three Stars: 3rd Star: Brandon Mashinter (Goal and Fight) 2nd star: Mats Zuccarello (0-1-1) 1st star: Chad Kolarik (GWG) ...Final shots were 30-26 in favor of the Sharks...Chad Johnson made 28 saves on 30 shots for Connecticut; Alex Stalock made 23 saves on 26 shots for Worcester...Worcester went 1-for-7 on the power play while Connecticut went 1-for-4... Tony Lucia, Joe Loprieno, and Frazer McLaren did not dress for the Sharks.... Mike Moore returned to the lineup after missing the last four games due to injury... Erick Lizon made his AHL debut for the Sharks and wore #44....Matt Irwin now has a four game point streak (3-2-5). The two teams combined for 66 penalty minutes, 40 minutes dished out as fighting majors.

On Saturday, Worcester travels to Bridgeport for a 7pm tilt with the Sound Tigers.

Team Teal wraps up the weekend in Manchester on Sunday at 3pm.

The Sharks return home on Sunday, December 26th for a special 6:30pm start vs. the Portland Pirates. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Worcester Sharks Slap Shot movie poster presented by WTAG. Dr. Hook from Slap Shot will be on hand to sign the movie posters!

Its $5 Kids Sundays presented by Papa Gino's! Kids 12-and-under are just $5 with a purchase of an adult gold level ticket! With each complete purchase (along with the purchase of an adult gold level ticket) fans will receive a FREE large cheese pizza coupon to be used at participating Papa Gino's locations. The $5 Kids Sunday ticket offer will only be available at the DCU Center Box Office on the day of the game.

Get your family fun pack (4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas) for just $69 for all Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games! (must be purchased through the Sharks front office in advance at 508-929-0500)

Marina Riva, Chris Curtis, Jonathan Forsberg, Jason Jones, Kristen Moore, and Matt Renzulli are all selling group ticket specials and exciting holiday ticket offers! Jump in today and save over 30% off box office prices! 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

- Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

- Five FREE friends and family vouchers

- Exclusive events with the Worcester Sharks players

- Merchandise discounts and much, much, more!

Season ticket packages and group tickets for the 2010-11 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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