Sharks Drop Game One To Hartford, 2-0
Published on April 16, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
HARTFORD, CT - Despite controlling play for much of the game, the Worcester Sharks were unable to beat Hartford goaltender Matt Zaba as they dropped a 2-0 decision to the Wolf Pack in Game 1 of the Atlantic Division Semifinals on Thursday evening in Hartford.
The Sharks held the shot advantage, 38-23, but Zaba stopped all of them for his third shutout of the season (and his career). Thomas Greiss was strong himself, making 21 stops.
The teams skated to a scoreless first period, but it wasn't for a lack of chances. Worcester had a 12-10 shot advantage after 20 minutes with its best opportunity coming midway through the period when Cory Larose was stopped point blank on top of the crease by Zaba.
Things got nasty at 18:19 of the period when a scrum ensued, which led to the Sharks' second power play after Brodie Dupont was whistled for a double minor for roughing while Brett Westgarth was assessed two minutes.
Despite the Sharks holding an 18-7 second period shot advantage, Hartford scored the only goal of the period for a 1-0 lead after two periods of play. Artem Anisimov converted on the team's second shot of the period, taking a nifty pass from Dale Weise and beating Greiss. Corey Potter was credited with the other assist on the play.
The Wolf Pack added insurance at 7:20 of the third period behind a Dane Byers goal for a 2-0 advantage. Mike Oullette lost the puck on the rush up ice, but Jordan Owens picked up the loose change to set up Byers.
Zaba made his best save late in the third period, robbing Dan DaSilva, who put the puck on net after making the initial stop on Frazer McLaren.
It appeared that Larose had cut the lead in half, but it was waived off due to being touched with a high stick.
NOTES: Three Stars: (3) Anisimov (goal) (2) Byers (goal) (1) Zaba (38 saves)... Attendance was announced 2,109 ... Thomas Greiss made 21 saves in net for Worcester ... Matt Zaba made 38 saves in net for Hartford ... The Sharks went 0/7 on the power play while the Wolf Pack went 0/5 ... Thomas Greiss made his 17th straight start ... The shutout in the playoffs was Worcester's second in franchise history. The only time it had been shutout was two years ago, losing 5-0 to Manchester in Game 3.
The Sharks head back to Hartford for Game 2 of the Calder Cup Playoffs on Saturday, April 18 for a 7 p.m. start against the Wolf Pack. The seven game series is scheduled as follows.
By: Justin Lafleur
HARTFORD vs. WORCESTER
Hartford leads 1-0
Game 1
Thu., April 16
SHARKS at Wolf Pack
L, 2-0
Game 2
Sat., April 18
SHARKS at Wolf Pack
7 p.m.
Game 3
Mon., April 20
Wolf Pack at SHARKS
6:35 p.m. (Game A)
Game 4
Wed., April 22
Wolf Pack at SHARKS
6:35 p.m. (Game B)
*Game 5
Thu., April 23
SHARKS at Wolf Pack
7 p.m.
*Game 6
Sat., April 25
Wolf Pack at SHARKS
7:05 p.m.
*Game 7
Mon., April 27
SHARKS at Wolf Pack
7 p.m.
Tickets for home playoff games A and B are currently on sale to the general public. Single-game playoff ticket prices are $18.25, $15.25, and 11.75, reflecting a league-wide increase of $1 over regular season prices.
In addition, fans may purchase a variety of Playoff ticket packages:
- Family Fun Pack - 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas for just $65 ($16.25 per extra person).
- Playoff Fun Pack - 4 flex vouchers and either 1 signed Sharks stick or 4 Sharks camouflage hats for $66 (16.50 per extra person).
- Playoff Flex Pack - 10 flex vouchers for the entire playoffs for $140.
The Sharks reduced their 2009-10 season ticket prices and they are on sale now! Playoff tickets are also on sale. 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.
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 16, 2009
- Admirals Strike First - Milwaukee Admirals
- Bears take Game 1 of East Division Semi-Finals 4-2 - Hershey Bears
- IceHogs fall to Admirals in game one - Rockford IceHogs
- Wolf Pack top Sharks, 2-0 - Connecticut Whale
- Bears take game one - Adirondack Phantoms
- Sharks Drop Game One To Hartford, 2-0 - Worcester Sharks
- Direct Energy offers Aeros fans "Power Play" savings - Houston Aeros
- Rivermen and Aeros Honor Fallen Fire Fighters - Peoria Rivermen
- Wolves Weekly Notes - Chicago Wolves
- AHL announces schedule updates for 2009 Calder Cup Playoffs - AHL
- Leino Back With Griffins - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Griffins Playoff Action Comes to Van Andel Arena Next Week - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Worcester Sharks announce special playoff ticket offers - Worcester Sharks
- Aeros Set Dates For Games 3, 4, and 5 in Houston - Peoria Rivermen
- Aeros announce home dates for divisional series against Peoria - Houston Aeros
- AHL Morning Skate - AHL
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