Sharks Send Rats Scurrying In 5-3 Win

Published on March 7, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WORCESTER - A three-goal second period proved too much for Albany to handle as the Sharks bounced back from Wednesday's loss to beat the River Rats, 5-3, on Friday evening, snapping Albany's eight-game winning streak in the process.

With the win and Manchester's loss to Hershey, Worcester moves within four points of the Monarchs for fifth place in the Atlantic Division. Springfield was up big on Lowell in the third period and barring a miraculous Devils comeback, will remain eight points ahead of the Sharks in the race for the fourth and final playoff spot.

After getting shutout on Wednesday by Norfolk, it didn't take long for the Sharks to get on the board as Worcester found the back of the net only 11 seconds into the game. Tom Walsh took a shot from just inside the left point. Graham Mink's tip in front of the net beat Albany goaltender Justin Peters just inside the left post for the quick 1-0 advantage.

The River Rats responded when Jeff Hamilton skated down the left wing side. He let go a shot inside the left faceoff circle which beat Sharks goaltender Thomas Greiss five hole for the tie score at 3:48. Chris Murray and Noah Babin picked up the assists on the play.

Albany had its first lead at 17:18 when Jamie Johnson scored his 17th of the season to make it 2-1. Greiss made the save on Hamilton's initial shot and the puck bounced straight up in the air. Greiss attempted to cover the puck, but instead it bounced right to Johnson at the doorstep, who found the inside of the left post.

In the second period, the Sharks came out flying and before the 20 minutes concluded, tied their season-high for goals (3) and power play goals (2) in a period. It started at 4:34 when Derek Joslin took a shot from just inside the blue line. It found its way through a Mink screen in front and over Peters' right shoulder for Joslin's eighth goal of the season. Tom Cavanagh and J.D. Forrest assisted on the play.

The Sharks capitalized on a five minute power play at 8:40 to retake the one-goal lead, 3-2. Riley Armstrong brought the puck down the right wing side. He centered the puck in front to T.J. Fox at point blank range. Fox took a quick forehand shot and found the inside of the left post.

Dennis Packard found the back of the net for the seventh time at 14:36 to give Worcester a two-goal cushion. Mink made a pass from the right wing faceoff circle across the crease to Packard who fought off a back check and redirected it into the back of the net. Joslin was credited with his third point and second assist of the period on the play.

In the third, Worcester extended its lead at 13:59 on its third power play tally of the evening. Lukas Kaspar carried the puck on the right wing side. He passed to Mike Iggulden who took a shot at the open net. It hit off the cross bar and stalled on the goal line before Mink poked it in for his second of the game and 19th of the season.

Albany made it interesting at 16:26 of the period to cut the lead to 5-3. Only nine seconds into a 5-on-3, the River Rats found the back of the net when Johnson made a cross-crease pass from the left wing side to Joe Jenson stationed at the right post who easily find the open net.

The Sharks continue their homestand tomorrow night with a tilt against Lowell at 7:05pm. The first 3,000 fans receive personally autographed Dan Spang collector's cards. For more information or to purchase tickets, log on to sharksahl.com or call the Sharks offices at 508-929-0500.

NOTES: Graham Mink has scored in five of the last seven games ... The goal 11 seconds into the game ended the Sharks' scoring drought at 87:43 ... The Sharks have scored first in all three games of the season series ... Derek Joslin had a goal and two assists in the second period which tied the team-high in each category for a period. He also set a new individual season-high with three points and tied it with two points ... Seven of Joslin's eight goals and 15 of his 23 points have come on the power play ... Worcester only allowed three shots in the second period, tying a season-low ... Oswego, N.Y. native T.J. Fox has scored in each game of the season series ... Mink tied a season-high with two goals and one assist ... The final attendance figure was 3,688 ... Greiss had 19 saves on 22 shots for the Sharks while Peters made 30 stops on 35 shots for Norfolk ... Power plays: Worcester: 3 for 5, Albany 1 for 3 ... Niche Hospitality Group Three Stars: Mezcal 3rd Star: Hamilton (1g, 2a), Bocado 2nd Star: Mink (2g, 1a), Block 5 1st Star: Joslin (1g, 2a).

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from March 7, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central