Sharks grab share of 4th with win in Bridgeport

Published on March 24, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


BRIDGEPORT - The Sharks scored four first period goals and Thomas Greiss made 47 saves in net as Worcester defeated the Sound Tigers in Bridgeport 5-3 on Tuesday night to snap a three game slide and grab a share of the 4th and final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division with just nine games remaining.

After scoring just one goal on 113 shots in three games last weekend, the Sharks needed little time to find the back of the net with frequency in the first period. The Sharks scored four goals in the opening 10:48 to take a 4-1 lead. P.J. Fenton scored twice while Steven Zalewski and Matt Fornataro also lit the lamp in the opening period. Worcester scored two power play goals and almost made it 5-1 as Derek Joslin was robbed by Sound Tigers' netminder Nathan Lawson as the horn sounded. Lawson broke his stick over the crossbar to show his frustration to end the period.

The Sound Tigers would pour it on early after changing goaltenders to start the 2nd period as Peter Mannino replaced Lawson aided by three consecutive power play chances but Thomas Greiss stood his ground in the Worcester net. The Sharks would extend their lead as Andrew Desjardins would deflect a Jason Demers wrist shot past Peter Mannino to give the Sharks a 5-1 lead at 15:53. Bridgeport would answer back converting a 2on1 as Sean Bentivogolio scored his 9th at 16:41. Shots were 28-23 after forty minutes in favor of Bridgeport.

Thomas Greiss was spectacular in the third period making 21of22 stops in net to hold off a late Sound Tigers charge. Ben Walter would make it 5-3 at 15:38 for the only blemish of the third period for Greiss. The Sharks allowed 50 shots on goal, a season high, despite winning 5-3.

NOTES: Three Stars: (3) Bentivogolio - 1g 1a, (2) Thomas Greiss - 47 saves (1) P.J. Fenton - 2g 1a... Attendance was announced 2,177 ... Thomas Greiss made 47 saves in net for Worcester ... Nathan Lawson made 12 saves for Bridgeport and was pulled after twenty minutes and Peter Mannino made 10 saves in the 2nd and 3rd periods... The Sharks went 2/4 on the power play while the Sound Tigers went 0/7 ... the Sharks were shutout in back-to-back games heading into the game and broke a 2:00:47 scoring drought when Zalewski scored at 2:00 of the first period...the Sharks killed of 24of25 Sound Tiger power plays in the season series which was tied at 2-2-0-0.

On Friday, March 27th, the Sharks host the Springfield Falcons at 7:05p.m. at the DCU Center.

All student tickets are just $9 and the game will also be shown live on Charter TV-3 and the NHL Network. The first 3,000 fans will receive a Tom Cavanagh autographed collector's card compliments of WTAG! The Sharks will honor the Shrewsbury High School boy's varsity hockey team and the St. John's boy's varsity basketball team for winning their respective state championship games. Find out how you can participate in an "officials seminar" before the game as former NHL referee Paul Stewart, NFL referee Jim Mello, NCAA basketball referee Bill Laubenstein, and ECAC hockey supervisor Bill Stewart will hold a discussion. Contact Marina Riva at 508.929.0500 for more information.

On Saturday, March 28th , the Shark host the Lowell Devils at 7:05p.m. on "Be a Leader" Night presented by the Law Firm of Abigail Williams & Associates. The Sharks will be wear special "Be a Leader" jerseys which will be auctioned off after the game with proceeds to Sharks Charities. Fans are encouraged to bring a new teddy bear to throw on the ice after the Sharks score their first goal to benefit Project Smile. Members of the Worcester Tornadoes and the Boston Breakers will be on hand to sign autographs during the first intermission. Three lucky fans will have the opportunity to win $38,000 compliments of Piccadilly Pub restaurants. Help Finz celebrate his birthday with other mascots on this action packed evening! Pick up your Family Fun Pack with a ticket, hot dog, and soda for just $15.25 each when buying a minimum of four tickets!

The Sharks reduced their 2009-10 season ticket prices and they are on sale now! 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.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 24, 2009


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