Purcell Paces Monarchs In 4-1 Win Over Sharks

Published on April 5, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


MANCHESTER, NH - Manchester scored the first three goals of the game and wouldn't look back as they defeated the Worcester Sharks by a 4-1 final on Saturday evening at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

Neither team could get anything going in the first period until AHL Rookie of the Year Teddy Purcell single-handedly gave Manchester the lead with his 24th goal of the season. He held the puck in the neutral zone before spinning in hopes of eluding the Worcester defense. After losing control of the puck, he regathered and fired a low slap shot that beat Sharks goaltender Dimitri Patzold just inside the right post at the 14:38 mark. Matt Moulson and Drew Bagnell were credited with the assists on the play.

The score remained the same until 9:22 of the second when Purcell struck again for the 2-0 lead. He took a flick pass from Matt Moulson and unleashed a slap shot on the left wing side which beat Patzold for his second of the game and 25th of the season. Jeff Likens was credited with the other assist on the play.

The Sharks' penalty kill couldn't hold the league's top power play at bay, as the Monarchs struck at 12:23 for the 3-0 advantage. David Meckler was near the right wing circle when he blistered a one-timer over Patzold's shoulder for his 23rd goal of the season. The nifty goal was assisted by Lauri Tukonen and Josh Kidd.

With Brad Staubitz in the penalty box for roughing, Worcester found an opportune time for its seventh shorthanded goal of the season. Playing in his second professional game, Steven Zalewski picked up his first point when he assisted on Lukas Kaspar's 16th goal of the season at 16:09. Kaspar took the pass at the high slot on the right wing side and beat Monarchs netminder Jonathan Bernier top shelf to make it 3-1. Dennis Packard was credited with the other assist on the play.

Midway through the third period, the Sharks had their fourth power play chance looking to cut the lead to 3-2. Worcester was unable to convert and Manchester answered with the backbreaker at 10:57. Brady Murray snuck behind the Sharks defense and took a feed from Marc-Andre Cliché. After skating on the left wing side, he backhanded a shot top shelf for his 13th goal of the season and the 4-1 final.

Worcester returns home tomorrow for BALD IS BEAUTIFUL night vs. the Springfield Falcons at 4:05pm. It is also Truck Day as fans have the opportunity to explore trucks on the plaza. The Sharks stay home on Wednesday to face the Providence Bruins. For more information or to purchase tickets, log on to sharksahl.com or call the Sharks offices at 508-929-0500.

NOTES: Frazer McLaren picked a good time for his first professional fight. On the ensuing faceoff after Manchester's third goal, McLaren dropped the gloves against fellow rookie Kevin Westgarth, connecting on a number of blows to win the bout ... Lukas Kaspar's shorthanded goal was his second of the season to tie for the team-lead (Devin Setoguchi). The other came on Jan. 26 at Springfield ... Kaspar's goal was Worcester's first at the Verizon Wireless Arena in 96:12 of action. The last goal was also Kaspar's (with three seconds remaining in the third period on Dec. 31 which gave the Sharks a 3-2 victory) ... The final attendance figure was 9,932 (Manchester's first sellout of the season) ... Patzold had 17 saves on 21 shots for the Sharks while Bernier made 27 stops on 28 shots for Manchester ... Power plays: Worcester: 0 for 5, Manchester: 1 for 3 ... Niche Hospitality Group Three Stars: Mezcal 3rd Star: Moulson (2a), Bocado 2nd Star: Bernier (27 saves), Block 5 1st Star: Purcell (2g)

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American Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2008


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