Sharks stab Wolf Pack in overtime
December 15, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release
HARTFORD, CT - Garrett Stafford's first game-winning goal of the season gathered two-points in the Atlantic Division standings for the Sharks as they upended Hartford 5-4 in overtime. The Sharks scored three consecutive power play goals to come-from-behind on the Wolf Pack and improve to 12-10-1-4 on the year, snapping a three-game losing streak in the process.
An entertaining first period of play included a combined four goals as the Sharks and Wolf Pack skated to a 2-2 tie through the opening twenty minutes of action. Ryan Callahan extended his franchise record goal-scoring streak to eight games for the Wolf Pack with an even strength tally just 1:30 into the contest. The Sharks responded with Tom Cavanagh slamming home a rebound for his fifth goal of the season and third against the Wolf Pack this year. Mike Iggulden, returning from a six game injury absence, assisted on the goal along with Lukas Kaspar. Worcester then earned their first lead of the night as Riley Armstrong converted a give-and-go with Grant Stevenson for Armstrong's 11th goal of the year and a 2-1 lead. Hartford Head Coach Jim Schoenfeld then pulled Steve Valiquette from the goal and replaced him with former first round draft pick Al Montoya. The goaltending swap lit a spark in the Hartford lineup as they scored a power play goal moments later to tie the game at 2-2. Nigel Dawes, converting an in-close set up from Lauri Korpikoski scored his first of the season.
Outscored in the second period 2-1, the Sharks trailed 4-3 after forty minutes of action. Nigel Dawes recorded his second goal of the game to re-establish the Hartford lead at 3-2. The even strength goal at 5:04 of the stanza was assisted by Greg Moore and David Liffiton. Dane Byers then jammed home a goal mouth scramble on the power play to extend the Hartford lead to 4-2, their largest of the night. The Sharks found some life late in the stanza on a power play goal from Tomas Plihal. Plihal, scoring his third of the year, was on the receiving end of a beautiful pass play set up from Lukas Kaspar and Grant Stevenson.
Grant Stevenson's power play strike at the 8:32 mark of the third period was the only tally of the final period and forced overtime. Patrick Traverse and Garrett Stafford set up Stevenson for his sixth goal of the year and his third point of the night.
Sustained pressure in the overtime session forced a hooking penalty against the Wolf Pack setting up the Sharks game-winning goal on the US Army Power Play. Garrett Stafford powered home a wrist shot from inside the Hartford blue line on assists from Mathieu Darche and Dan Spang. The Sharks, finishing the night with three consecutive power play goals, finished the night three-for-six on the man-advantage and earned a crucial two-points in the Atlantic Division standings.
Tomorrow night the Sharks host Manchester on "Charter Night" with SpongeBob SquarePants at the DCU Center. The first 3,000 fans at the game on Saturday will receive a team photo with a post-game autograph session with the team. The game will also be broadcast live on NewsTalk 580-WTAG and through the on-line broadband broadcaster for the AHL, B2 Networks. Fans can watch the game via B2 Networks at the team's official web site, www.sharksahl.com. Tickets for the game are on sale now at the DCU Center Box Office.
American Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2006
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