Sharks Take Bite Out of Atlantic-Leading Portland with 4-2 Victory
December 7, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
WORCESTER-Claude Lemieux notched the game-winner, his second goal of the season as the Sharks defeated the Portland Pirates 4-2 in Sunday afternoon's contest.
The Sharks started the scoring early on a power play (at 3:59 in the first period) when Derek Joslin registered his fifth goal this season off of a Cory Larose pass that seemed to be aimed at Claude Lemieux. The puck got through Lemieux's grasp, but a shadowing Joslin took advantage by sending it to the top-left corner. Larose and Ryan Vesce were credited with assists.
Jason Demers extended the Sharks' lead to 2-0 just seven minutes later. Joslin found Demers by the blue line on the right wing side, and Demers wasted no time in firing a slap shot past Portland goalie Adam Dennis. The goal was the first of the season for Demers. Joslin and Matt Fornataro earned assists on the play.
The second period, however, told a different story as Portland mounted a comeback. After Matt Fornataro was called for slashing, Portland's leading scorer Mark Mancari looked to capitalize by launching a slap shot from the blue line. Pirate forward Marek Zagrapan got his stick on the puck and deflected it by Thomas Greiss.
Less than two minutes later, the Pirates took advantage of another power play and tied the score. Colton Fretter tied the score amidst a scrum in front of the net on a rebound of a Matt Ellis shot. Pirate defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani was also credited with an assist.
The Sharks recovered the lead at 16:53 on Claude Lemieux's second goal in a Sharks uniform. Steven Zalewski spotted a streaking Lemieux with no defenders in sight. Lemieux faked right, duping a sprawling Dennis, and sent an easy shot to the back of the net.
Vesce added an empty-net goal with five seconds remaining.
NOTES: Three Stars: (3) Marek Zagrapan (goal) (2) Derek Joslin (goal, assist) (1) Claude Lemieux (game-winning goal)...The Sharks recalled forward Matt Fornataro and defenseman Michael Wilson from Phoenix on Saturday...Attendance for the contest was 2,641...Greiss saved 21 of 23 shots for the Sharks, while Dennis stopped 26 of 29 for Portland...Worcester went 1/4 on the power play; Portland went 2/6...Fans were invited to skate with their favorite Sharks after the game for the third annual "Hat and Mittens Holiday Skate" presented by Fidelity Investments.
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