Sharks Take Bite out of Bridgeport

Published on December 12, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WORCESTER, MA - The Sharks battled back from an early 2-0 deficit by scoring three unanswered goals in the second period and then won the game in the shootout, 4-3, Sunday afternoon at the DCU Center.

Jonathan Cheechoo, Jason Pitton and Matt Irwin scored in regulation with TJ Trevelyan scoring the winning goal in the shootout for Worcester. Alex Stalock made 20 saves in the winning effort, stopped all five shots in the shootout, and made an unbelievable game saving diving stop in overtime on Trent Campbell to force the shootout.

Bridgeport took control of the game early as the Sound Tigers picked up two early goals to take a 2-0 lead. Micheal Haley (2nd) rushed up the right wing and snapped a wrister past goalie Alex Stalock at 1:48. Minutes later, Haley would convert on the power play as he banged home a loose puck in the crease to the right of Alex Stalock at 4:52. The Sharks went into the first intermission trailing 2-0 but leading in shots for the period 8-7.

It was the Sharks turn to control a period as they dominated Bridgeport in the second scoring three goals and outshooting the Sound Tigers 16-0. Jason Pitton (2nd) would score just 1:06 into the period as he jammed the puck past Sound Tigers goalie Nathan Lawson. A little over two minutes later, Worcester's leading scorer Jonathan Cheechoo (11th) picked up the puck in the right corner and wrapped the puck between the left post and Nathan Lawson's skate to tie the game at 2-2. After failing to convert on several power play chances in the period, Worcester finally broke through on a slap shot by Matt Irwin(5th) late in the second. Cheechoo and James Marcou picked up the assists on the go ahead power play goal. Worcester led 3-2 after 40 minutes.

The third period turned into a defensive battle between the two teams. The majority of play was conservative for both teams with the Sharks trying to run down the clock to a 3-2 victory. But Bridgeport would force overtime as they stunned goalie Alex Stalock and the Sharks with a game tying goal with 0:08 seconds remaining while shorthanded. Islander's first round pick Josh Bailey scored on the quick snapshot for his 4th of the season to force overtime after a faceoff win deep in the Sharks zone.

Both teams had a great opportunity in the overtime period to win it. Alex Stalock would make the save of the season, by robbing Trent Campbell with a diving glove save early into overtime. The Sharks would then be stopped by Nathan Lawson on a cross ice one timer with just over a minute remaining. Both saves would ensure a shootout.

In the shootout, the Sharks only needed one goal as Alex Stalock turned away every Bridgeport chance. TJ Trevelyan picked up the lone shootout goal as the Sharks picked up the extra point and the victory.

The Sharks record improves to 15-8-1-4 with 35 points and to 8-4-1-1 at the DCU Center.

Notes: Perfect Game Three Stars: 3rd Star: Matt Irwin (Goal) 2nd star: Josh Bailey (Goal)1st star: Jonathan Cheechoo(G, A) ...Final shots were 38-23 in favor of the Sharks...Nathan Lawson made 35 saves on 38 shots for Bridgeport; Alex Stalock made 20 saves on 23 shots for Worcester...Worcester went 1-for-7 on the power play while Bridgeport went 1-for-3... Tony Lucia, Mike Moore, and Frazer McLaren did not dress for the Sharks....The Sharks held an opponent shotless in a period for the first time this season, outshooting the sound Tigers 16-0 in the 2nd period....Andrew Desjardins (1-3-4) and Sean Sullivan (3-2-5) saw their four game point streaks come to an end... Sharks improve to 2-4 in the shootout... Matt Irwin now has a three game point streak (2-2-4).

The Sharks play three games on the road in three days next weekend, beginning with a 7pm Friday night tilt vs. the Whale!

Get your family fun pack (4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas) for just $69 for all Friday and Saturday games! (must be purchased through the Sharks front office in advance at 508-929-0500)

Marina Riva, Chris Curtis, Jonathan Forsberg, Jason Jones, Kristen Moore, and Matt Renzulli are all selling group ticket specials and exciting holiday ticket offers! Jump in today and save over 30% off box office prices! 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

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

* Five FREE friends and family vouchers

* Exclusive events with the Worcester Sharks players

* Merchandise discounts and much, much, more!

Season ticket packages and group tickets for the 2010-11 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 .

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American Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2010


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