Sharks Grab Point in Wild Shootout Loss in Springfield

Published on January 6, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


SPRINGFIELD, MA -Defenseman Sean Sullivan scored with 41 seconds left in the third period with the extra attacker for Worcester to force overtime but the Sharks fell to 0-4 in the shootout in a wild 4-3 shootout loss to the Springfield Falcons at Mass Mutual Center on Friday night.

Brodie Reid and John McCarthy also scored for the Sharks and Tyson Sexsmith kept Worcester in the game with 34 saves, including seven in the overtime period. Cam Atkinson scored twice, had the game winner in the shootout, and fought Sean Sullivan in the overtime frame for Springfield.

Rookie Cam Atkinson (16th) gave the Falcons a 1-0 lead at 18:34 of the first period with a breakaway goal past Tyson Sexsmith. The Sharks fired just four shots in the opening frame as Tyson Sexsmith kept the Sharks in the game early with some big saves.

The Sharks scored twice in a 64 second span late in the second period to take a 2-1 advantage. John McCarthy (9th) deflected a Matt Irwin wrist shot past Manny Legace at 15:04 on the power play to tie the score 1-1. Matt Irwin sent a 40 foot rebound try through traffic and was tipped by Brodie Reid (5th) at 16:08 to give the Sharks a 2-1 lead. Springfield thought they had tied the score with 5.6 seconds remaining after Matt Calvert snuck behind the Worcester defense, knocked into Sexsmith, and put the puck into the net. A goal was originally signaled by referee Keith Kaval, but it appeared the linesmen waved off the goal, much to the displeasure of Falcons head coach Rob Riley. The Sharks outshot the Falcons 15-7 in the second period and took a one goal edge into the second intermission.

The Falcons would barge out to a 3-2 lead in the third period before Sean Sullivan provided the equalizer late. Cam Atkinson (17th) grabbed his second score of the night, sweeping a bouncing puck past Sexsmith from the left post on the power play at 5:34 to tie the score at 2-2. Matt Calvert (4th) gave the Falcons a 3-2 lead with a terrific deflection in front after the Sharks were unable to clear the zone at 14:51. With Tyson Sexsmith on the bench for the extra attacker, Sean Sullivan (4th) sent a blast from on top of the right circle top shelf past Manny Legace at 19:19 to force overtime.

Springfield fired seven shots on goal in the overtime period, aided by a power play in the extra frame but Sexsmith was stellar in net for Worcester.

In the shootout, Jack Combs, Mike Connolly, Brandon Mashinter, and John McCarthy did not score for Worcester while Cam Atkinson and Tomas Kubalik struck for the Falcons for the Springfield victory.

Worcester's record falls to 16-10-3-4 (39pts in 34gp) and 8-4-3-3 on the road.

Notes: FIVE GUYS BURGERS Three Stars: 3rd Star: Matt Calvert (1-0-1) 2nd star: Matt Irwin (0-2-2) 1st star: Cam Atkinson (2-0-2, FM, SOG)... Final shots were 38-29 in favor of Worcester... Manny Legace made 26 saves on 29 shots for Springfield; Tyson Sexsmith made 34 saves on 37 shots for Worcester...Worcester went 1-for-5 on the power play while Springfield went 1-for-8...Cam MacIntyre (inj), Ben Guite (inj), Brian O'Hanley (scr), Tony Lucia (inj), and Curt Gogol (inj), did not dress for Worcester... Worcester falls to 33-12-6 all-time vs. the Falcons, and 23-5-5 in the last 33 games... with the one fight; Worcester now has 57 through 33 games this season, the most in the AHL and a fight in 19 straight games... the fight occurred at 4:30 of overtime between Sean Sullivan and Cam Atkinson...forward Alex Bourret played in his first game as a member of the Worcester Sharks and wore #22.

Coming up...

"Check Yourself. Beat Cancer" Night to benefit the 15-40 Connection presented by Columbia Tech

On Saturday, The Worcester Sharks host the Providence Bruins at 7pm!

The Sharks will wear a special 15-40 Connection jersey which will all be auctioned off through raffle, Chinese auction, silent auction, a post-game live auction, and a select few via an online auction; with proceeds to benefit the 15-40 Connection. (The 15-40 Connection is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization) In addition; goaltenders Harri Sateri and Tyson Sexsmith will use specially designed 15-40 goalie sticks during the game which will also be auctioned off to benefit the 15-40 Connection.

Before the Worcester Sharks host the Providence Bruins at 7pm, the Shrewsbury high school varsity hockey team will battle Algonquin high school at 4pm in the 3rd annual High School Hockey Showdown. Doors at the DCU Center will open at 3:30pm with one ticket good for both games!

Enjoy the high energy cover band Probable Cause from 5:30 to 6:30pm in the Charter Zone before the Sharks game!

$5 Kids Sundays presented by Southwick's Zoo

On Sunday, the Sharks close out the weekend with a 3pm start at the DCU Center vs. the Portland Pirates! With every Sunday home game this season, Kid's tickets are just $5 presented by Southwick's Zoo. Receive a free child's admission to Southwick's Zoo with the purchase of a full priced adult and kid's ticket!

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!

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American Hockey League Stories from January 6, 2012


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