Sharks Howl Past Pack, 4-1

March 15, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WORCESTER - Behind goals from four different players and strong goaltending from Thomas Greiss, the Worcester Sharks topped the Hartford Wolf Pack, 4-1, on Sunday to propel them into a tie for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division.

The win snapped a four game losing streak to Hartford and evens the final season series at 4-4. Worcester improves to 34-30-1-2 with 71 points through 67 games, handing the Wolf Pack only their second loss in the last 13 games.

After a scoreless first period, Hartford took advantage of a questionable tripping penalty assessed to Andrew Desjardins for a 1-0 lead at 2:07 of the second period. Greiss flashed the right pad to stop a Michael Sauer drive from the point, but was unable to cover up, allowing Patrick Rissmiller to clean up the rebound for his ninth goal of the season.

Worcester answered just over four minutes later at the 6:14 mark behind Riley Armstrong's team-leading 22nd goal of the season. Brett Westgarth's shot from the blue line was blocked in front of the net by Hartford's Sauer, deflecting right to Armstrong who roofed a backhand shot into the net. Mike Moore was credited with the other assist on the play.

Ryan Vesce set up Tom Cavanagh beautifully for a power play goal and a 2-1 advantage at 8:30 of the second. The original shot from the point was blocked, but Vesce corralled the puck in the slot and found Cavanagh just outside the crease, who easily lit the lamp for his 15th goal of the season

The Sharks converted their second straight power play chance for a two goal cushion, 3-1. It was Lukas Kaspar who fired a low rocket along the left wing boards that beat Hartford goaltender Miika Wiikman for his 15th goal. Patrick Traverse and Cavanagh had the assists.

In the third period, Hartford nearly cut the Sharks' lead to 3-2, but instead, T.J. Fox netted his sixth of the season on the ensuing rush, one-timing the feed from Steven Zalewski for the 4-1 advantage at 9:52 of the third.

NOTES: Three Stars: (3) Tom Cavanagh - 1g, 1a (2) Thomas Greiss - 21 saves (1) Riley Armstrong - 1g, 1a ... Attendance was announced 5,723 ... Thomas Greiss made 21 saves in net for Worcester ... Miika Wiikman made 25 saves for Hartford ... The Sharks went 2/7 on the power play while the Wolf Pack went 1/5 ... Tom Cavanagh is riding a seven game point streak (4g , 5a)... T.J. Fox has goals in three consecutive games and has eight points in his last nine games ... Riley Armstrong drew five penalties ... Jennette McCurdy from iCarly signed autographs for much of the game presented by Irving Oil.

The Sharks hit the road for four straight starting Friday at Bridgeport. The team returns home on Friday, Mar. 27 as it hosts rival Springfield at 7:05 p.m. The first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a Tom Cavanagh autographed collector's card!

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.



American Hockey League Stories from March 15, 2009


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