Sharks Eliminated by Providence in Game 6, 5-1
Published on May 13, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
WORCESTER, MA - The Sharks fell into an early hole and could never recover as a tough second period spelled the end of their season in a 5-1 Game 6 loss to the Providence Bruins on Wednesday evening at the DCU Center.
Providence scored two goals within the first 10:05 of the game to set the tone. It was already 4-0 when a second period incident gave the Bruins a 10 minute power play to effectively end the Sharks' hopes of staging a comeback. Worcester ends their most successful season just two wins shy of capturing the Atlantic Division title while Providence advances to face Hershey in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Sharks were whistled for two early penalties and it cost them when Brad Marchand found the back of the net to put Worcester into an early 1-0 hole. A wraparound clearing attempt hit referee Terry Koharski along the boards to keep the puck in the zone. Martin St. Pierre corralled the puck and made a touch to Vladimir Sobotka in the left wing circle, who then set up Marchand on the right side of the crease at the 4:59 mark.
The Bruins' quick start continued at 10:05 when Jamie Arniel converted on a 3-on-2 rush. Peter Schaefer made the pass from the left wing side to Arniel on the right side, who one-timed the puck just inside the right post.
Providence rode the momentum from the first period into a 3-0 lead at 5:32 of the second. Streaking down the left wing side, Jeremy Reich made a centering pass that deflected off a Sharks defenseman, setting up Kirk MacDonald for the easy tap into the open net.
Things went from bad to worse when Jordan Knackstedt was stationed in the left wing circle and roofed the puck to make it 4-0 at 13:29.
A strange set of circumstances at 13:44 of the second period resulted in the Sharks being on the penalty kill for 10 minutes to the displeasure of the DCU Center crowd. It all started when Riley Armstrong was whistled for a five minute boarding major. While Riley was escorted out of the penalty box, he got into a melee with Johnny Boychuk and was called for a major penalty for spearing. In the meantime, Jeremy Reich and Brad Staubitz dropped the gloves at center ice. In total, Koharski also whistled Armstrong for two game misconducts.
St. Pierre scored Providence's fifth goal of the game only 26 seconds into the extended power play, but Andrew Desjardins got the Sharks on the board with only 12 seconds remaining in the second period on the shorthand. He was sprung on a breakaway and his initial shot was stopped by Tuukka Rask, but the momentum carried the Providence netminder into the net for the 5-1 score after two periods of play.
The Sharks had a number of third period chances, outshooting the Bruins 11-6, but it was too little too late.
NOTES: Three Stars: (3) Rask (34 saves, 1 GA) (2) Marchand (1g, 1a) (1) St. Pierre (1g, 1a) ...Attendance was announced 1,818... Thomas Greiss made 25 saves in net for Worcester... Tuukka Rask made 34 saves in net for Providence ... The Sharks went 0/2 on the power play while the Bruins went 2/6... Thomas Greiss made his 28th straight start in net.
PROVIDENCE vs. WORCESTER
Round 2 of Calder Cup Playoffs (1-1-1-1-1-1-1 Format)
Bruins Win Series, 4-2
Game 1
Tue., April 28
SHARKS at Bruins
3-2OTL
Game 2
Wed., May 6
Bruins at SHARKS
4-2 L
Game 3
Fri., May 8
SHARKS at Bruins
5-3 W
Game 4
Sat., May 9
Bruins at SHARKS
1-0 W
Game 5
Mon., May 11
SHARKS at Bruins
4-3 L
*Game 6
Wed., May 13
Bruins at SHARKS
5-1 L
*Game 7
Thur., May 14
SHARKS at Bruins
7:05 p.m.
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 May 13, 2009
- Admirals Fall Short in Game Seven - Milwaukee Admirals
- Houston Aeros advance to Western Conference Finals - Houston Aeros
- Aeros defeat Admirals 5-2 in Game 7, advance to Conference Finals - Houston Aeros
- P-Bruins Announce Dates For Conference Finals - Providence Bruins
- Moose announce playoff dates for Western Conference Final vs. Houston Aeros - Manitoba Moose
- AHL announces Conference Finals schedules - AHL
- Sharks Eliminated by Providence in Game 6, 5-1 - Worcester Sharks
- P-Bruins Defeat Sharks 5-1, Head To Conference Finals - Providence Bruins
- Hershey to face Providence Bruins in 2009 Eastern Conference Finals - Hershey Bears
- Canadiens Sign Defensemen Ander Benoit and P.K. Subban to Contracts - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Rivermen Add Two to Front Office Team - Peoria Rivermen
- Aeros sign Carson McMillan to ATO - Houston Aeros
- Houston and Milwaukee face off in decisive Game 7 tonight - Houston Aeros
- Lightning Sign Center Mitch Fadden - Norfolk Admirals
- Win Bruce Springsteen Tickets - Albany River Rats
- Sharks Director of Community Relations Michael Myers Earns Award - Worcester Sharks
- River Rats Announce Springsteen Ticket Raffle - Albany River Rats
- AHL Morning Skate - AHL
- Jody Gage Will Not Return As Amerks General Manager - Rochester Americans
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.
