Sharks Edge Bruins in Overtime in Front of Sellout Crowd
October 18, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
WORCESTER-The Sharks started their homestand on the right note, edging Providence 3-2 in Worcester's home opener for the 2008-09 season. The stands were packed at the DCU Center, as a sellout crowd of 6814 fans was in attendance for the win.
Just 22 seconds after the opening faceoff, Jamie McGinn corralled a pass from Steven Zalewski on the left side of the net and wristed the puck to the top right corner for the opening goal. It was his second this year.
The quick first goal set the tone for the rest of the night, as the game's pace remained frantic despite the low score. The Sharks outshot Providence 18-4 after the first period, and 26-9 after two frames.
Worcester started the second period impressively, killing off back-to-back penalties, and allowing just one shot on net over the four minute stretch.
Riley Armstrong padded the Shark lead, scoring 2:25 into the third period. P.J. Fenton found Armstrong streaking into the offensive zone, where Armstrong received the pass, hesitated to let the defender slide past, and found the back of the net after deflecting the puck of Providence goalie Tuukka Rask.
Immediately after Armstrong's goal, Frazer McLaren found Bruin defenseman Byron Bitz close to center ice, enticing him into the game's only fight. The two grappled and exchanged punches, firing up their respective benches.
Providence, though, would claw back, as Johnny Boychuk scored the first Bruin goal with 6:08 left in the contest. The goal was Boychuk's second of the year.
The Bruins fired back once again, scoring with just 26 seconds left in the third period. Martin St. Pierre fired a rebounded shot past Thomas Greiss to even the score.
With 20 seconds left in overtime, however, Kyle McLaren put a heavy shot on net, and Ryan Vesce tipped the puck past Rask for the game-winner.
NOTES: Three Stars: (3) Riley Armstrong (2) Martin St. Pierre (1) Kyle McLaren...Worcester's home opener was a sellout, with 6814 fans in attendance...Thomas Greiss saved 18 of 20 shots for the Sharks, while Rask saved 31 of 34...Worcester went 0/6 on the power play; Providence went 1/5 on the power play
The Sharks continue their opening four game home stand with a battle against the Hartford Wolf Pack on Wednesday (Oct. 22nd), Providence (Oct. 24th), and Bridgeport (Oct. 25th). In all, the Sharks will play 6 of their next 7 games on at home.
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Ticket packages for the 2008-09 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.sharksahl.com. Secure your seat for the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Charter Communications by making your deposit today!
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American Hockey League Stories from October 18, 2008
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