Sharks Shutout by Whale 2-0

Published on January 5, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WORCESTER, MA - Connecticut scored two goals late in the third period to defeat the Worcester Sharks 2-0 at the DCU Center on Wednesday night.

Tim Kennedy had a two point night for the Whale (1-1-2 ) and Evgeny Grachev added a shorthanded insurance goal with 2:47 remaining. Chad Johnson stopped 27 shots for the shutout while Alex Stalock stopped 19 of 21.

It didn't take long for the renewed rivalry between Worcester and Connecticut to make its presence known. Tough guys Justin Soryal and Erick Lizon had a long bout at center ice just 3:25 into the first period to kick off the physical play. The period didn't see a goal scored despite several scoring chances for both sides. The first twenty minutes was scoreless with the shots tied 9-9.

The game continued to be tightly contested into the second period. Both teams failed to convert on power plays in the second frame and the first forty minutes ended tied just as the game began, 0-0. Shots at the end of two periods were tied at 17-17.

Connecticut would take control of the game in the third period with two unanswered goals. The Whale would capitalize on a power play with 7:48 remaining on a goal by Tim Kennedy (8th) on a pretty feed by Michael Del Zotto. The Sharks would get a power play chance late in the period but Whale forward Evgeny Grachev (6th) would take a blocked shot in on a breakaway and deked a backhand shot past Alex Stalock with just over three minutes to go. The Sharks would pull Stalock but could not start a comeback as they fell 2-0.

The Sharks record falls to 17-13-2-4 with 40 points and to 9-6-1-1 at the DCU Center. It was the third time this season the Sharks ere shutout and the second time at the DCU Center.

Notes: Perfect Game Three Stars: 3rd Star: Alex Stalock (19 saves) 2nd star: Tim Kennedy (1-1-2) 1st star: Chad Johnson (27 saves) ...Final shots were 27-21 in favor of the Sharks...Chad Johnson made 27 saves on 27 shots for Connecticut; Alex Stalock made 19 saves on 21 shots for Worcester...Worcester went 0-for-3 on the power play while Connecticut went 1-for-5...Jonathan Cheechoo saw his seven game point (5-4-9)streak come to an end...Tony Lucia, TJ Trevelyan, Cam MacIntyre, Joe Loprieno, Frazer McLaren, and Mike Moore did not dress for the Sharks... Andrew Desjardins returned from San Jose and was in the lineup.

After a rare Friday evening off, the Sharks travel to Bridgeport on Saturday for an 8pm tilt vs. the Sound Tigers.

On Sunday, the Sharks host a 3pm clash with the Springfield Falcons with a post game High School Hockey Double Header! The 2nd annual High School Hockey Showdown presented by the Massachusetts Army National Guard will START APPROXIMATELY AT 5:30PM - immediately following the Sharks vs. Falcons. Bring can(s) of baby food to the HS hockey double header to be donated to the Massachusetts Baby Fund and receive a free ticket voucher for the Sharks game on Friday, February 25th vs. the Portland Pirates (one free ticket per person). The baby food will be collected by the Shrewsbury Leaders of Tomorrow.

The 2011 Showdown pits the varsity hockey teams from: Shrewsbury HS vs. Algonquin HS

* 2:00pm - DCU Center doors open

* 3:00pm - Sharks game

* 5:30pm - Shrewsbury vs. Algonquin take the ice for the SHOWDOWN

* Advance tickets are $11 for fans calling in asking about this game.

* Day of the game, fans mentioning the HS doubleheader will pay $15 at a table in the lobby

* Special visit from the Looney Tunes from Six Flags New England

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).

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



American Hockey League Stories from January 5, 2011


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