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Sharks Clinch Playoff Spot with Impressive 5-2 Win at Providence

April 17, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


Providence, RI -The Worcester Sharks (41-27-4-2, 88pts) clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2010 with an impressive 5-2 win over the host Providence Bruins (40-25-7-2, 89pts) in front of 8,739 fans at the Dunkin Donuts Center on Friday evening. With the win, the Sharks remain in 7th place in the Eastern Conference with two games remaining in the regular season.

Chris Tierney (1-2-3) and Barclay Goodrow (0-2-2) had multipoint games for Worcester while Troy Grosenick made 25 saves for his 20th win of the season. Matt Taormina (10th), Rylan Schwartz (5th), Daniil Tarasov (16th), and Matt Tennyson (4th) also scored for Worcester in a physical contest that featured three fights. The Sharks finished with a 46-46-10 in 102 career matchups vs. the Providence Bruins all-time.

Back from the Boston Bruins, rookie David Pastrnak (11th) gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead at 5:18 after his quick snap shot from on top of the right circle got through a screen and snuck through the pads of Troy Grosenick. Worcester would even the score as Chris Tierney (8th) fired a wicked shot on the rush from 30 feet that beat goaltender Malcolm Subban on the glove side at 13:47. The score was tied 1-1 after 20 minutes with the Bruins holding a 14-8 shot advantage.

The second period featured three fights with each team finding the back of the net once. Micheal Haley picked up his team leading 10th fighting major after he fought Tyler Randell at 2:06 which all started after a huge hit by Eriah Hayes on Chris Casto. The Sharks grabbed a 2-1 lead at 3:51 after Matt Taormina (10th) fired a quick wrister from the left wall at the blue line that found its way through a maze of bodies and past Subban. The Bruins tied the game at 7:14 after a great individual effort by Rob Flick (17th) as he won the puck behind the net and carried in front and fired a shot top shelf. Daniil Tarasov picked up his first fighting major this season with a quick scrap with Justin Florek at 19:06. On the ensuing faceoff Gus Young (3rd) won a one sided fight vs. Ben Sexton at 19:06. The two teams headed into the second intermission tied 2-2 with the Bruins holding a 22-17 shot advantage.

The Sharks exploded for three goals in the third period with Rylan Schwartz (5th) netting the eventual game winner with a quick wraparound strike at 3:06 to give Worcester a 3-2 lead. Daniil Tarasov (16th) fired home a rebound score at 10:20 and Matt Tennyson (4th) finished the scoring at 17:39 with a blast from on top of the right circle. Worcester outshot Providence 12-5 in the third period.

The Sharks overall record improves to 41-27-4-2, 88pts and 19-15-2-1, 41pts on the road this season.

Notes: Three Stars: 3rd star: Karl Stollery (0-1-1) 2nd star: Rylan Schwartz (GWG) 1st star: Chris Tierney (1-2-3).... Final shots were 29-27 in favor of Worcester... Malcolm Subban made 24 saves on 29 shots for Portland....Troy Grosenick had 25 saves on 27 shots for Worcester ... Worcester went 0-for-2 on the power play while Providence went 0-for-4... Trevor Parkes (inj.), Petter Emanuelsson (inj), Jeremy Langlois (inj), Jimmy Bonneau, Taylor Doherty, Joakim Ryan, John McCarthy (inj), Daniel Ciampini, Willie Coetzee (inj), Daniel Doremus, and Julius Bergman did not dress for Worcester... Chris Tierney, Bryan Lerg, Taylor Fedun, and Karl Stollery all returned to the Worcester lineup after being loaned for the SJ Sharks on April 12... the Sharks came into the game with the 2nd fewest fighting majors (35) but picked up a season high three majors...Barclay Goodrow added two assists.

Coming up....

On Saturday, the Sharks head north to battle the first place Manchester Monarchs at 7pm.

On Sunday, the Sharks host their final regular season game at the DCU Center with a 3pm puck drop vs. the Portland Pirates. Doors will open at 12pm for a FAN FEST and for the annual Boston Bruins Alumni doubleheader to benefit Why Me.

There will be a face painter, photo booth, caricature and balloon artist with a commemorative movie poster giveaway! There will also be plenty of other giveaways as the Sharks host their last regular season game at the DCU Center!

As with every Sunday home game, kids tickets are just five dollars with the purchase of an adult ticket presented by Fisher Agencies! Mascots Scratch and FINZ will also attend the game.

The Boston Bruins alumni roster will include: (subject to change)

Glen Featherstone, Bill Bennett, Guy Larose, Kenny Hodge JR, Fred Ahearn, Rick Middleton, Tom Songin

Bob Sweeney, Frank Simonetti, Andy Brickley, John Carter, Bobby Beers, Bruce Shoebottom, Tim Sweeney and Patrick Traverse

Score a Family Fun Pack (4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas) starting at just $79 by calling 508-929-0500 or visit www.SharksAHL.com.

You can listen to all games live on WTAG Worcester or watch online for a small fee at www.AHLLive.com.

Worcester celebrates 20 years of AHL hockey! The 2014-15 season marks the 20th season of AHL action at the DCU Center in the city of Worcester. Over 3.8 million fans have attended either an IceCats (11 seasons) or Sharks (9th season) game in downtown Worcester since 1994.

Bring a group to sing the national anthem, book a fundraising event, host a birthday party, or have a blast in the high fin tunnel. Secure your personalized Sharks experience today! Group tickets for the 2014-15 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

Socialize with the Worcester Sharks all year long! Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WorcesterSharks, follow us on Twitter @WorcesterSharks, and download the Worcester Sharks App for free on your Droid or iPhone today!

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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