Sharks falter in Game 1, 3-2 to the Devils

April 14, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WORCESTER - Lowell used a strong, defensive fore-check and never trailed as they took game one of the best-of-seven Atlantic Division semi-finals series, 3-2, over the Sharks at the DCU Center Wednesday night. Alexander Vasyunov scored the game-winning goal late in the second period to give the Devils the victory as Worcester now trails the best-of-seven series, 0-1. The same two teams will meet in Game 2 tomorrow evening, at 7:05 PM at the DCU Center.

Worcester was led by Dan DaSilva who collected two points on the night, with a goal and an assist. John McCarthy scored the other Sharks goal.

Lowell opened the scoring for the series at the 15:16 mark when Nick Palmieri's wraparound attempt caromed off Alex Stalock into the slot where Brad Mills (1) slapped one into the back of the net giving the Devils the lead, 1-0. Alexander Vasyunov earned the other assist. The Devils used a neutral zone trap the rest of the way and kept the Sharks off the scoreboard. Worcester did hold the shot advantage though, 12-8.

Worcester controlled the opening minutes of the second period and broke through at the 8:36 mark on the power play. After failing with the man advantage the first three times, Dan DaSilva gave the Sharks their first tally of the game as he banked one in off the pads of Mike McKenna. Ryan Vesce and Danny Groulx picked up the assists. Lowell inched back ahead, 10:10 into the period, when Ben Walter (1) snuck a shot in backdoor behind Stalock after a feed from Matt Taormina. John McCarthy tied the game for the second time when he broke down the left-wing side and snapped one past McKenna at the 14:53 mark, tying the game, 2-2. Brett Westgarth and DaSilva assisted on the goal. Lowell would claw ahead once again late in the period at the 18:33 mark when Vasyunov (1) collected a loose puck in the low slot and beat Stalock, sending the teams into the locker rooms with Lowell ahead, 3-2. Shots were even at 11-11.

Neither side scored in the third period despite Worcester pulling the netminder and having opportunities late in the period. Worcester outshot Lowell, 13-5.

Worcester now trails the best-of-seven series, 1-0, with game 2 scheduled for tomorrow night at 7:05 PM in Worcester at the DCU Center.

Notes: Three Stars: (3) Brad Mills (1-1-2)...(2) Dan DaSilva (1-1-2)...(1) Alexander Vasyunov (GWG, 1-2-3)...Alex Stalock made 21 saves for the Sharks...Mike McKenna made 34 saves for the Devils...Final shots were 36-24 in favor of the Sharks...Worcester went 1-4 on the power play...Lowell was 1-5 on the power play... Worcester is now 0-4 in Game Ones of the Calder Cup Playoffs...The game was the first home Game One in Sharks history...Danny Groulx now has 14 playoff assists in his team-leading 56 playoff games played...Dan DaSilva now has four goals in 13 career playoff games.

2010 Playoff tickets are on sale now! As of now, only the first two Sharks home games in the first round are on sale "Games A & B." Season ticket holders will get the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs for FREE by placing a deposit on season tickets for the 2010-11 Sharks season by April 10th. Ticket strips for the first round (possible four games) and the entire playoff package (possible 16 games) are on sale now. Save up to 20% off Box Office prices by purchasing the first round or the entire playoff package today! For more information call the Sharks front office at 508-929-0500.

The Sharks are already taking deposits for their 5th season in Worcester! Jump in today and save over 30% off box office prices! Find out how to get the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs for FREE by calling the Sharks front office 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

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Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now by 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 14, 2010


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