Sharks Rookies Shine Bright, Defeat Pirates 3-2 In OT

Published on April 11, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


PORTLAND, Maine - The Sharks had something to play for. No, not the playoffs, but some pretty impressive bragging rights.

A 3-2 overtime win over the Portland Pirates on Friday night means the Sharks will finish with a .500 or better record against four of the six Atlantic Division opponents.

Heading into the game, the Pirates were tops in the AHL with 27 home victories, and with 6,640 fans in the building coupled with a quick 2-0 deficit left Worcester's task even more daunting.

Worcester inched within 2-1 before rookie Steven Zalewski scored his first two professional goals, the first to tie the game mid way through the third period and the second to send the Sharks home with the thrilling victory in overtime.

Worcester goaltender Taylor Dakers made his second start in as many games since his recall from Phoenix of the ECHL. He finished with 29 saves on 31 shots, good for his first win in a Worcester uniform since Jan. 21 at Springfield. NHL veteran Jean-Sebastian Aubin made 31 saves on 34 shots, dropping his second straight to the Sharks.

The Sharks unveiled a new lineup, dressing 11 rookies while resting veterans Patrick Traverse, Graham Mink, and Dennis Packard. Mike Moore was the newest Shark to make his professional debut. The defenseman out of Princeton was assessed a hooking penalty in his first professional shift and was whistled for a high-sticking major in the second period, finishing the game with 11 penalty minutes.

At 4:39 of the overtime period, Dan Spang started a rush on the left wing side, feeding Zalewski, who beat Aubin top shelf for Worcester's second-straight overtime win over the Pirates.

The comeback started with a late first period goal. After missing nine straight games due to an injury, Sharks sparkplug Riley Armstrong returned to the lineup in full force by scoring a crucial goal with only eight seconds remaining in the first period to cut Portland's lead to 2-1. Tom Cavanagh won the faceoff in the left wing circle back to Spang. Spang's ensuing shot was blocked, but Frazer McLaren collected the puck behind the net and swung it back in front to Armstrong who beat Aubin just inside the post.

David MacDonald dropped the gloves against Darryl Bootland at 13:05 of the third period leading to the game-tying goal. Despite MacDonald being assessed an extra two minutes for instigating, the Sharks rode the added energy. Worcester won the ensuing defensive zone draw, springing Lukas Kaspar down the right wing side. He found Zalewski down the middle who made the touch over Aubin's shoulder for his first professional goal and the 2-2 score.

The Pirates came out flying with two goals in the first nine minutes to put Worcester in the early hole. A turnover by Kaspar led to a point-blank opportunity and a 1-0 Portland lead only 3:26 into the game. Kaspar tried to clear the puck up the middle, but instead found the stick of Geoff Platt who passed to Stephen Dixon. Dixon easily made the tip past Dakers for his 16th goal of the season.

Just over five minutes later, Brendan Mikkelson poked in a rebound for the 2-0 advantage. Mikkelson carried the puck on the left wing side and left it for Matt Caruana, who fired a shot from 50 feet away. Mikkelson crashed the net and poked in the rebound for his sixth of the season at the 8:53 mark.

NOTES: Worcester heads home for the final two games of the season, on Saturday vs. Lowell and Sunday against Springfield. Saturday is Worcester Tornadoes night as fans can meet first baseman Chris Colabello and Twister. The first 3,000 fans on Sunday receive a Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray bobblehead doll. Also on Sunday, the Boston Bruins alumni will be on display at 1:45 p.m. with one ticket good for both games. ... With Mike Moore's signing, the Sharks now have six Ivy Leaguers on the roster, joining Tom Cavanagh, David MacDonald, Dennis Packard, and Tom Walsh from Harvard and Mike Iggulden out of Cornell. ... Frazer McLaren's first period assist was his first professional point. ... The third period fight between MacDonald and Bootland was the first in the season series since Nov. 17 (game three of the season series). ... Power plays: Worcester: 0 for 2, Portland: 0 for 7 ... Niche Hospitality Group Three Stars: Mezcal 3rd Star: Aubin (31 saves on 34 hots), Bocado 2nd Star: Caruana (1a), Block 5 1st Star: Zalewski (2g)

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American Hockey League Stories from April 11, 2008


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