Sharks Hold off Portland 5-3

Published on January 19, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WORCESTER, MA - Worcester controlled play for the first forty minutes taking a 3-0 lead into the third period but would have to cling to the victory after a third period comeback attempt by Portland Wednesday night at the DCU Center.

Tommy Wingels, Brandon Mashinter, Andrew Desjardins, Justin Braun and TJ Trevelyan scored for the Sharks and Alex Stalock made 26 saves in the winning effort. Nick Schaus and Jody Pederson each added two assists in the Sharks 20th victory of the season.

Portland had the early momentum in the first with the help of three power plays but it was Worcester who would score first. On their first power play, defenseman Jody Pederson fired a shot from the point that deflected in off Brandon Mashinter (8th), fresh from his 10 game stint in San Jose. The Sharks led 1-0 after one and led in shots 18-6.

The Sharks shut down the Portland offense and added to their lead in the second period. Andrew Desjardins (6th) finished a pretty tic-tac-toe passing play as he deflected in a pass from Dan DaSilva on the doorstep at 13:14. Nick Schaus would also receive an assist on the play. Just 27 seconds later, Justin Braun (2nd) would fire a one timer past Pirates goalie Jhonas Enroth to give Worcester a 3-0 lead. The Sharks outshot Portland 14-3 in the period and led 3-0 heading into the third.

The Pirates would break out in the third period as Worcester would have to fend off a furious comeback attempt. Igor Gongalsky (2nd) got the Pirates on the board at 2:44 of the third period, jamming in a pass from behind the net by former Shark Dennis McCauley. Tommy Wingels (7th) struck on the power play, deflecting a Pederson shot from the point into the net at 5:23. Derek Whitmore (15th) and Mark Mancari (19th) would make it a one goal game late in the third. With Portland continuing to mount offensive pressure and with an extra attacker, the Sharks would seal the victory with an empty net goal by TJ Trevelyan (9th) with just over three seconds remaining.

The Sharks record improves to 20-16-2-5 with 47 points and to 10-7-1-2 at the DCU Center.

Notes: Perfect Game Three Stars: 3rd Star: Jody Pederson (2 A) 2nd star: Tommy Wingels (GWG, A) 1st star: Nick Schaus (2 A) ...Final shots were 37-29 in favor of the Sharks... Jhonas Enroth made 32 saves on 36 shots for Portland; Alex Stalock made 26 saves on 29 shots for Worcester... Worcester went 1-for-2 on the power play while Portland went 1-for-4...Cam Macintyre picked up his second fighting major of the season against Dennis McCauley in the middle period...Justin Braun, Andrew Desjardins and Brandon Mashinter played in their first game since being re-assigned from San Jose and all scored for the Sharks ...Tony Lucia (inj), James Marcou (inj), Sean Sullivan (inj), Mike Moore (inj), Ryan Lannon (scr),and Nick Petrecki (inj) did not dress for the Sharks.... Before the game the Shark released forward Chris Lawrence... It was the first time in 15 games that the Sharks scored more than three goals in a game.... the game was originally slated for December 26th and postponed twice due to wintery weather.

On Friday, the Sharks visit the Portland Pirates at 7pm.

On Saturday, the Sharks will host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 7pm on IceCats Night - A Tribute to the Worcester IceCats at the DCU Center. The first 3,000 fans will receive a Scratch (Worcester Ice Cats mascot) bobblehead doll and rumors are circulating that Scratch will return to the DCU Center and pay FINZ a visit!

A special appearance by former Worcester IceCats defenseman Terry Virtue will highlight the promotions packed tribute to the IceCats as the Sharks will sport a Worcester IceCats jersey with Sharks logos to commemorate the 11 seasons of Worcester IceCats hockey at the DCU Center.

The IceCats jerseys worn by the Sharks will be auctioned off throughout the game and a few select jerseys will be auctioned off via a live postgame auction with Sharks players.

The inaugural class of the Worcester Hockey Hall of Fame which includes; Larz Anderson, Eddie Bates, Marvin Degon Sr., Kelly O'Leary, Terry Virtue, and Scott Young, will be inducted during an on-ice ceremony during the first intermission.

Doors will open at 3:30pm for the 3rd annual High School Hockey Clash presented by the Massachusetts Army National Guard featuring Hudson and Marlboro at 4pm in the 2nd of four high school hockey doubleheaders at the DCU Center this season. The WXLO street team will greet Sharks fans at 530pm in the DCU Center lobby.

On Sunday, the Sharks host the Portland Pirates at 3pm with a special on-ice wedding during the 2nd intermission! Its $5 Kids Sundays presented by Papa Gino's! Kids 12-and-under are just $5 with a purchase of an adult gold level ticket! With each complete purchase (along with the purchase of an adult gold level ticket) fans will receive a FREE large cheese pizza coupon to be used at participating Papa Gino's locations. The $5 Kids Sunday ticket offer will only be available at the DCU Center Box Office on the day of the game.

Get your family fun pack (4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas) for just $69 for all Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games! (must be purchased through the Sharks front office in advance at 508-929-0500).

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American Hockey League Stories from January 19, 2011


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