Sharks Fall to Whale 2-1 in a Shootout
February 28, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
HARTFORD, CT - Brandon Mashinter gave the Sharks an early lead in the first period and gave them a chance in the shootout but it wasn't enough as the Sharks fell to the Connecticut Whale 2-1 in a shootout at the XL Center on Tuesday morning.
Tyson Sexsmith stopped 22 of 23 shots in the loss while Chad Johnson stopped 33 of 34 shots for the Whale. James Sheppard, on a conditioning assignment from San Jose, suited up in his first career AHL game for the Sharks, as Worcester dropped their fourth straight game (0-3-0-1).
The Sharks jumped out to a 1-0 lead at the 9:15 as Brandon Mashinter (12th) put back a rebound on a shot from Mike Moore just as the power play expired. The intensity picked up when Matt Pelech leveled Whale forward Ryan Bourque just in front of the bench which set off some pushing and shoving. The Whale got the equalizer with 50 seconds left in the first as Mats Zuccarello (12th) hammered a one-timer from the slot past Tyson Sexsmith. Shots were 7-5 in favor of the Sharks after 20 minutes.
The Whale stormed the Sharks zone early in the second period but Sexsmith shut the door. Worcester could not convert on two separate 5-on-3 advantages in the middle of the period as Whale goaltender Chad Johnson was sharp in between the pipes. The Sharks killed off the only penalty of the game when Ryan Del Monte was sent off for hooking at 12:12. Worcester carried the play for most of the period as they outshot the Whale 14-8 and held a 21-13 advantage through 40 minutes.
The Sharks had two more cracks at the power play in the third period but were unable to solve Johnson. John McCarthy rang one off the post midway through the third but that was the closest Worcester came. This period was more even as the Sharks only outshot the Whale 9-8 and held a 30-22 advantage through 60 minutes.
Overtime was unable to settle the score as Worcester outshot the Whale 4-1 in the extra frame. Mats Zuccarello beat Tyson Sexsmith over the glove in round 1 and Brandon Mashinter tied it up in the 4th round when he beat Johnson blocker side. Kris Newbury gave the Whale the lead again on a forehand deke and Tony Lucia shot wide on the Sharks' final attempt to seal the win for the Whale.
Worcester's record falls to 24-20-4-6 (58pts in 54gp) and 0-1-0-1 at the XL Center this season.
Notes: FIVE GUYS BURGERS Three Stars: 3rd Star: Nathan Moon (0-1-1) 2nd star: Kris Newbury (0-1-1, GW shootout goal) 1st star: Chad Johnson (33 saves, W)... Final shots were 34-23 in favor of Worcester... Chad Johnson made 33 saves on 34 shots in net for Connecticut; Tyson Sexsmith made 22 saves on 23 shots....Worcester went 0-for-6 on the power play while Connecticut went 0-for-1...Ben Guite (inj), Andrew Murray (inj), Frazer McLaren (inj), Curt Gogol (Inj), Cam MacIntyre (inj), Brian O'Hanley (scr), and Harri Sateri (scr) did not dress for Worcester... Mike Moore led the way with five shots on goal... James Sheppard played in his first career AHL game as San Jose sent him down for a conditioning assignment... Brandon Mashinter ends the month of February with five goals, his highest goal scoring month of the season... Nathan Moon extended his point streak to four games with an assist (2-2-4)... Worcester finished the month of February with a 4-8-0-0 record.
Coming up... The Sharks continue their three game road trip in Providence on Saturday at 7:05pm.
Score a family fun pack today for only $74! Four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas for a portion of the price! Available only through the Sharks front office for every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games this season!
Enjoy a Worcester Sharks Experience Pack! The Sharks are offering groups to partake in a Sharks hockey experience with many interactive activities; including friends and family skates on the DCU Center ice before or after a game, the high FIN tunnel (high-fiving players as they take the ice), singing the National Anthem, intermission performances, and more.
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