Sharks Score Five Unanswered To Shock Portland In Overtime

January 10, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WORCESTER, MA - The Worcester Sharks made their second straight comeback, once down 5-1 in the second period, to secure an overtime win defeating the Portland Pirates 6-5 during their fifth matchup of the season Sunday afternoon at the DCU Center.

Dwight Helminen netted the game-winning goal in overtime and Steven Zalewski and Logan Couture both had a goal and two assists, while Benn Ferriero chipped in with a goal and three assists. Danny Groulx tied the game with :43 seconds remaining with the extra attacker to force overtime.

Portland started the first period off quickly when Mike Kostka netted his second goal of the season at just 42 seconds past Worcester's Tyson Sexsmith, assisted by Mark Mancari and Felix Schutz. Despite a few close calls and a crossbow shot by Dean Strong, the Sharks remained scoreless in the first, yet still outshot the Pirates 16-15.

Portland's Joe DiPenta jumpstarted an eventful second period scoring a shorthanded, unassisted goal at 3:42, only to be followed at few minutes later with a goal by Felix Schutz at 6:02. The Sharks were down by three only for a minute until Steven Zalewski retaliated, netting Worcester's first goal at 7:02. The Pirates struck again at 10:28 when Mancari scored, sniping his second point of the game. A tough scramble in front of Sexsmith put the Sharks down 5-1 as Paul Byron chipped in his seventh goal of the season. The Sharks wouldn't leave the second without putting up a fight, as Brandon Mashinter scored at 16:28, shortening the gap to 5-2. A Sharks' powerplay late in the second proved beneficial to Worcester as Logan Couture netted a much needed goal, his 14th goal of the season, putting the score at 5-3 at the end of the second.

Worcester's Benn Ferriero wasted no time in the third, scoring at just 3:20, putting the score at 5-4. With less than a minute left in the period and an empty Sharks' net, Groulx scored to tie the game up at 5-5. A nail-biting overtime lasted 3:29 before Helminen netted the game-winning goal assisted by Joslin and Ferriero to snatch the win from underneath the Pirates.

With the win, the Sharks move to 24-13-0-2 (50 points) on the season.

Notes: Three Stars: (3) Logan Couture (goal and 2 assist), (2) Mark Mancari (goal and assist), (1) Dwight Helminen (game-winning goal)...Tyson Sexsmith had 26 saves in net for Worcester... J.P. Lamoureux had 37 saves in net for the Sound Tigers...Final shots were 43-31 in favor of --- Worcester...Derek Joslin has a three game point streak (1-4-5)...Jamie McGinn has points in three straight games (0-3-3)...Brandon Mashinter three games (1-2-3)...Couture and Zalewski both remain team's leading goal scorers with 14 each... Benn Ferriero had four points (1-3-4) and fired four shots.... It was just the 2nd time in Sharks history that they won a game when trailing by four goals.

This Wednesday, the Sharks take on the Springfield Falcons at 7:05PM at the DCU Center for the fifth game of their five-home-game stretch before heading off to Portland. It's Dollar Dog Night-come to the game and get your hotdogs for only one dollar! Free tickets to anyone that shows proof of unemployment!

Worcester returns home on Saturday and skates against the Manchester Monarchs on Youth Sports Night. Come meet Red Sox Mascot Wally the Green Monster, Pat Phelan of the New England Revolution with mascot Slyde and Worcester Tornadoes player Chris Colabello with mascot Twister. In addition, be sure to make use of Family Fun Pack Saturdays and purchase a ticket package that includes 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas for only $65! Auburn vs Hudson High School doubleheader is before the game the Sharks game at 4pm presented by the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices! Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

* Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center

* Significant savings off box office ticket prices

* Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now by 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 January 10, 2010


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