Sharks can't solve Pirates

Published on February 27, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


Worcester, MA - Ryan Vesce tied the game early in the third period but the Pirates' Nathan Gerbe fired right back as the Sharks fell 2-1 to Portland on Friday night at the DCU Center.

After coming off a five game losing streak the Portland Pirates would get a boost from rookie goaltender Kellen Briggs to propel them over Worcester 2-1.

The Sharks would start the pressure early by outshooting the Pirates 6-0 through the first four minutes of play, however, Portland would score at 13:46 after Worcester defenseman Jason Demers fell at the blue line and allowed Marek Zagrapan to skate in on Worcester goalie Thomas Greiss uncontested. Greiss would make a terrific pad save but the rebound would be cleaned up by Tim Kennedy to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead.

A scoreless second period would be highlighted by a big hit along the boards by Brett Westgarth on Portland defenseman Mike Kostka. Worcester would kill off a 5 on 3 power play for 47 seconds to keep the game within one goal. The shots on goal through two periods would be 21-16 in favor of Worcester.

Worcester would score :32 into the third frame when Ryan Vesce cleaned up a rebound off a blast from Lukas Kaspar that deflected off the right pipe. The tie would not hold as Portland center Nathan Gerbe would chip in a one timer feed from the top of the right faceoff circle by Tim Kennedy to retake the lead 2-1at 5:12. Despite many scoring opportunities by Worcester including an impressive arrangement by Vesce and Kaspar during a late 2-on-1 break, the Sharks would be shut down by rookie netminder Kellon Briggs as they fell 2-1 to the Pirates. The win would be the first AHL victory for Briggs.

The loss drops Worcester's record to 29-26-1-2 through 58 games.

NOTES: Three Stars: (3) Thomas Greiss (2) Tim Kennedy (1) Kellen Briggs ... ... Attendance was announced 3,602... ... Thomas Greiss made 25 saves net for Worcester...Kellen Briggs made 27 saves in net for Portland... The Sharks went 0/5 on the power play while the Pirates went 0/7...Portland leads the season series 5-4-0- with one more clash this season for the Unum Cup...Captain Ryan Vesce has 5 goals, 8 assists vs. Portland this season... Lukas Kaspar has recorded ten points (3 goals, 7 assists) vs. Portland this season...

The Sharks host the Springfield Falcons Saturday at 7:05 p.m. for "Faith Night" at the DCU Center. The first 3,000 fans will receive a Brad Staubitz autographed collector's card presented by News Talk 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG. Stay after the game for a postgame concert by "Brother's Keeper."

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! 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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American Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2009


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