Sharks get iced by Penguins

Published on February 15, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WILKES-BARRE, PA - Ryan Vesce had a goal and an assist in his return back to Worcester after his first NHL recall but the Sharks dropped their season high fourth straight game on Sunday afternoon in Wilkes-Barre, PA by a 5-2 score.

Frazer McLaren would try to get his team going as he and Paul Bissonnette tangled at center ice at 2:58 of the first period. McLaren had the early advantage but Bissonnette got a few in before the linesmen intervened after an entertaining bout. After the Sharks couldn't convert on their first power play, the Penguins would score with the man advantage at 8:25 after Janne Pesonen finished off a great feed from Mark Letestu past Thomas Greiss. Letestu fired a bullet from the right corner onto the stick of Pesonen who was set up in the low right slot. The Sharks trailed 1-0 after 20 minutes despite having a 12-10 shot advantage.

The Sharks would begin the second period with good energy and it translated to Patrick Traverse's 7th goal of the season at 8:58. After a shot by Ryan Vesce from the high slot was kicked out by goaltender John Curry, Traverse banged in the loose puck to tie the score at 1-1. The goal extended the point streak for Traverse to five games and the assist for Vesce extended his franchise record point streak to 17 games. But the Penguins would fire back with two quick strikes. Tim Wallace scored his 15th at 10:52 and then Mark Tetestu's one timer shot found the back of the net after a great feed by Jeff Taffe gave the Penguins the two goal lead at 14:02. The Sharks trailed 3-1 after forty minutes, outshooting the Penguins 22-18.

Ryan Vesce would strike early in the third period to cut the Penguin lead in half after firing a loose rebound past Curry on the power play at :59 seconds of the third period. But just as the Sharks seemed to have the momentum, the Penguins would score again as Alex Goligoski scored his first in the AHL this season at 6:40. Adam Henrich would finish off a break down the right side to cap the victory for the Penguins at 16:33 to give Wilkes-Barre a 5-2 lead. The Sharks outshot the Penguins 18-10 in the third period and 40-26 through the game.

The loss drops Worcester's record to 27-24-0-2 and 1-5-0-0 on their seven game road trip.

NOTES: Three Stars: (3) John Curry (2) Mark Letestu, (1) Janne Pesonen ... ... Attendance was announced 6,823... The game was the 2nd and final meeting between the two clubs ...the Penguins swept the season series... Thomas Greiss made 23 saves net for Worcester... John Curry made 38 saves in net for the Penguins... The Sharks went 1-6 on the power play while the Penguins went 1-2... Dan DaSilva played his first game for the Sharks since his recall on Friday.... T.J. Fox had several great chances to score but was stopped by Curry each time.

The Sharks continue their seven game road trip as they travel to Springfield on Friday night and then return home to the DCU Center for a Saturday tilt against the Bruins.

All games can be heard live on 580 & 94.9 WTAG as well as online through AHL Live by following the link on the Sharks website, www.sharksahl.com.

Be sure not to miss any of the action of the 2008-09 Worcester Sharks season and buy your tickets today! The Sharks are offering a special "Buy One Get One FREE" ticket offer through February 20th! 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.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2009


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