Bruins end Sharks' win streak in Claude Lemieux's Sharks debut
November 28, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
PROVIDENCE-Coaches often encourage their players to approach each match as three separate games. That was the very much the case on Friday night in Claude Lemieux's Sharks debut, when the Bruins knocked off Worcester, 5-3.
Providence got off to a quick start, scoring two goals in the first period. After corralling the pass from Matt Lashoff, Vladimir Sobotka wrapped the puck around the front of goalie Thomas Greiss where Martins Karsums deflected it into the wide open net for his eighth goal of the year.
The Bruins struck again on a power play when Byron Bitz located Jeff Penner off to the left wing side of the goal, just outside the congestion in front of the net. Penner tallied his third goal of the year as Greiss could not recover to defend the open side of the net.
The tables were turned, however, in the second period when Worcester forwards found the back of the night on three separate occasions. Jamie McGinn started the scoring spree just under seven minutes into the period when defenseman Patrick Traverse found him on the right side of the net for his sixth goal this season.
Lemieux scored his first point since 2003 when he spotted Cory Larose, who touched the puck for Tom Cavanagh and the lamp was lit for Cavanagh's eighth goal this year. Shortly thereafter, center Steven Zalewski got the puck to Ryan Vesce on the left side who sent the puck to the top right corner to make the score 3-2.
The Bruins would not go into hibernation for the third period as well, as Karsums found Martin St. Pierre at Worcester's blue line with some wide open space in front of him. St. Pierre made the most of his chance, wristing the puck over the shoulder of Greiss and tying the score at 3-3.
Matt Lashoff then scored the eventual game-winner and his fourth goal of the season after taking centered pass from Adam McQuaid. Jeremy Reich added an empty-net insurance goal with just 45 seconds remaining.
Lemieux made his debut minutes into the first period, skating for a brief 15-second shift. Returning to action just moments later, he was quickly whistled for a hooking penalty. Coming off of the penalty, Lemieux immediately found himself in the middle of the action, where he offered up a strong shot attempt and set up Ryan Vesce for a one-timer that was defended by Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask.
Lemieux finished the contest with an assist and two penalty minutes, a +2 rating, and four shots on goal.
The bad blood between the two teams was kept alive early on when Brett Westgarth and Jeremy Reich dropped their gloves to fight. Westgarth landed two punches, but Reich capitalized on an opening and landed multiple punches on Westgarth forcing him to the ice.
The loss brings Worcester to 10-9-0-0, while the win improves Providence record to 12-7-1-0.
NOTES: Three Stars: (3) Tom Cavanagh (2) Martins Karsums (1) Matt Lashoff...Tonight marked Claude Lemieux's first AHL appearance since 1986...Tomorrow's home contest will feature the Sharks "Winter Sports Giveaway"; check out sharksahl.com for more details...Worcester donned its grey alternate jerseys in its second visit to Providence...Attendance was 5,558 for the "Black Friday" contest...Thomas Greiss saved 26 of 31 shots for the Sharks, while Tuukka Rask saved 35 of 38 attempts...Worcester went 0/2 on the power play; Providence went 1/3 on the power play.
The Sharks return home after Friday's loss to take on Bridgeport at 7:05p.m. at the DCU Center on Saturday. Worcester will then play its third game in three days when they host Lowell at 4:05p.m. on Sunday.
All games can be heard live on 580 & 94.9 WTAG as well as online through AHL Live by following the link on the Sharks website, www.sharksahl.com.
Be sure not to miss any of the action of the 2008-09 Worcester Sharks season and buy your tickets today! Fans can also purchase tickets to the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Charter Communications. Purchases can be made by visiting the box office, contacting the Worcester Sharks office at 508.929.0500, or by crashing the net at www.sharksahl.com.
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