Sharks Are the Comeback Kids, Defeat Manchester, 4-3
April 25, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
WORCESTER - The Worcester Sharks erased a two-goal deficit and hung on to defeat the Manchester Monarchs in game one of the best-of-seven Atlantic Division finals, 4-3 at the DCU Center Sunday night. Steven Zalewski provided the heroics late in the third period as Worcester now leads the series one game to none.
Dean Strong, Cory Quirk, and Benn Ferriero had the other goals for Worcester. Dennis McCauley chipped in with two assists as well. It was the first time in Sharks franchise history that they have won game one of a playoff series.
It did not take long for the scoring in the series to open, as Manchester's Oscar Moller (2) tallied just 35 seconds into the opening period as he rushed down the left-wing from his own zone and beat Alex Stalock through the pads. The Monarchs added another goal at the 9:17 mark when Viatcheslav Voynov's shot from the point was redirected past Stalock by John Zeiler (2). Both teams had multiple odd-man rush scoring chances late in the period, but neither was able to convert and the teams skated to the locker rooms with Manchester in front, 2-0. The Monarchs outshot the Sharks, 12-7.
Worcester tallied the only goal of the second period when Ferriero (4) tipped a McCauley shot off the glove of Jonathan Bernier and into the back of the net at the 14:54 mark. The Sharks held the shot advantage, 9-7.
The Sharks momentum carried over into the third period as they knotted the game at 2-2 just over two minutes into the frame. Defenseman Danny Groulx sent a hard cross-ice pass that deflected off Steven Zalewski's stick and was eventually buried home by Strong (1). Worcester took their first lead of the game 6:29 into the period when Quirk (1) snapped one over the glove of Bernier after a tremendous individual effort from McCauley. The Monarchs battled back to tie it at 3-3, 9:32 into the period, when Dwight King (1) took a quick feed from Justin Azevedo and ripped one through the pads of Stalock. Zalewski put the Sharks back in front less than two minutes later when he banged home a rebound off a Brandon Mashinter shot. Quirk earned the other assist and the Sharks lead, 4-3. Worcester survived a flurry of late Manchester attacks and hung on for the game one victory. The Sharks outshot the Monarchs, 11-6.
Notes: Three Stars: (3) Dwight King (1-1-2)...(2) Dean Strong (1-1-2)...(1) Steven Zalewski (GWG)...Alex Stalock made 22 saves for the Sharks...Jonathan Bernier made 23 saves for the Monarchs...Final shots were 27-25 in favor of Worcester...Worcester went 0-3 (0-3 series) on the power play...Manchester was 0-4 (0-4 series) on the power play...T.J. Trevelyan had a three-game goal streak snapped...Benn Ferriero is on a THREE game point streak (4-0-4)...Danny Groulx is on a THREE game point streak (0-4-4) and has points in five of the six playoff games...Steven Zalewski now has SIX goals in nine games against the Monarchs this season to lead all Sharks players and scored his first playoff goal in 18 games...Dean Strong recorded his first professional playoff goal with Worcester and the second of his career as he scored for Kalamazoo in their playoff series this season...This was the first game one victory in Sharks franchise history (1-4).
Currently, only the first two Sharks home games in the second round are on sale "Game F". Other home games will go on sale as necessary. Get your family fun pack (4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 sodas) or the fan pack (4 tickets and 4 autographed Sharks camouflage hats) today for just $69.
Ticket strips for the second round (possible four games) and the entire playoff package (possible 12 games) are on sale now. Save up to 20% off Box Office prices by purchasing the first round or the entire playoff package today! For more information call the Sharks front office at 508-929-0500.
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 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 April 25, 2010
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- Monarchs Beached in Third Period - Manchester Monarchs
- Sharks Are the Comeback Kids, Defeat Manchester, 4-3 - Worcester Sharks
- Admirals, Wolves Play Game 7 Monday - Milwaukee Admirals
- Texas Stars Playoff Update #12 - Texas Stars
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