Red Hot Heat Fend off Pesky Sharks, 4-3

February 27, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WORCESTER, MA- Frank Doyle started his first game in a Worcester Sharks uniform, but the Sharks were unable to come from behind as the Heat swept the Sharks, 4-3, at the DCU Center Saturday night. J.D. Watt's third period goal proved to be the game-winner as the Heat concluded a nine-game with an 8-1-0-0 record.

T.J. Trevelyan continued his strong offensive play scoring twice and adding an assist. Mike Moore chipped in with two assists for the Sharks and Ryan Vesce extended his goal scoring streak to five games.

Twos ran wild in the first period. There were two fights and two goals between the two sides. 5:23 into the period Brandon Mashinter and Watt dropped the gloves with Mashinter landing the better of the opportunities. However, it was Abbotsford who capitalized first on an opportunity at the 15:01 mark when Mikael Backlund (15) took advantage of a Joe Loprieno turnover in the Sharks zone and beat Frank Doyle to put the Heat on top, 1-0. Worcester answered back on the power play, 18:52 into the opening frame, when Moore's shot from the point was tipped home by Trevelyan (15). Jamie McGinn also assisted on the tally that knotted the game at, 1-1. The period concluded the way it began when Moore and Radek Smolenak squared off with 18 seconds remaining in the period. Abbotsford outshot Worcester, 11-10.

The second period was a back and forth affair in which the physical play escalated tremendously. Abbotsford edged back ahead, 2-1, at the 6:47 mark, when Backlund knocked a puck from below the end line to the front of the net where Cam Cunning (13) sent one past Doyle. The Sharks climbed back even 10:01 into the period when Trevelyan's shot was spilled by Matt Keetley onto the stick of a waiting Ryan Vesce (10) who scored for the third straight game since returning from an injury Wednesday night. Michael Wilson collected the other assist. Keetley was pulled following the goal and was replaced by the previous night's netminder, David Shantz. The Heat pulled back on top, 17:20 into the second, when Doyle was unable to poke the puck clear from in front of his net. Jason Jaffrey (21) took the fortunate bounce and put Abbotsford on top, 3-2. Worcester controlled the shot totals for the period, 18-11.

Riley Armstrong's delay of game penalty carried over into the third period and Worcester made good on their opportunity 30 seconds into the last period of regulation. Trevelyan (16) scored his second of the game as he punched one past Shantz to tie the game, 3-3. Derek Joslin and Moore earned the assists. For the fourth time in the game, Abbotsford clawed to a lead, 4-3, when Watt's blast from the point scorched the back of the net through traffic in front of Doyle. Watt picked up goal number eight of the season. That would conclude the scoring and the Heat snuck out of Worcester with a 4-3 victory. Teams had six shots apiece in the third period.

Worcester's record drops to 36-18-2-3 (77 points), but they remain atop the Atlantic Division standings.

Notes: Three Stars: (3) Jason Jaffray (1-1-2), (2) T.J. Trevelyan (2-1-3), (1) Mikael Backlund (1-2-3)...Joe Callahan was the only injured scratch for Worcester... Frank Doyle made 24 saves for Worcester ...Matt Keetley made 15 saves before giving way to David Shantz who made 16 saves for the Heat ...Ryan Vesce has an EIGHT game point streak (7-6-13)... Brandon Mashinter picked up fighting major number 12 as he battled J.D. Watt in the first period...Mike Moore now has three fighting majors...Final shots were 34-28 in favor of the Sharks...

On Tuesday, the Sharks head to Manitoba to battle the Moose for an 8:30 PM EST contest. It will be the first time Worcester will play in Canada.

On Wednesday, Worcester meets Manitoba again at 8:30 PM EST.

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 and 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 February 27, 2010


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