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Sharks too little too late against Monarchs

February 6, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


MANCHESTER, NH - The Sharks trailed 3-0 with less than four minutes remaining in Manchester and scored twice to get within a goal, but the Monarchs held on for the 3-2 victory over the Sharks on Friday night.

Matt Moulson would give the Monarchs a 1-0 lead after he rang the Monarch's first shot on goal off the crossbar and in past Thomas Greiss after a rush down the rightwing side at 2:37. The Sharks would then have four straight power play chances, including a two man advantage for 51 seconds. Thomas Greiss would make two huge saves on both Trevor Lewis and Brian Boyle after a shorthanded rush into the Sharks zone to keep the Monarchs lead at one. But the Monarchs would take a 2-0 lead late in the 1st period as Trevor Lewis would fire a shot from the right circle that went five-hole and in the net as Marty Murray was breaking down the middle at 19:34. The Sharks trailed 2-0 after 20 minutes despite outshooting the Monarchs 14-9 in the opening period.

Neither team would score in the second period as the Monarchs came up empty on two power play chances. The Sharks would hit the post midway through the middle frame but the score would remain 2-0 after fort minutes of play. Shots in the second period were 9-8 in favor of Manchester with the Sharks holding a 22-18 advantage after forty minutes.

Frazer McLaren would give the Sharks a pulse at 16:20 of the third period with his first goal since opening night in Lowell to break Jonathan Bernier's shutout bid. McLaren's shot from the slot found the back of the net with Matt Jones setting up a screen in front. Roy Sommer would pull Thomas Greiss with 2:30 left for the extra attacker and Jamie McGinn would finish a nice goal mouth pass from Matt Fornataro at 18:46 to get the Sharks within a goal. But the Sharks would never really get a great chance to tie as the Monarchs held off the charge for the victory.

The loss drops Worcester's record to 27-21-0-2, while the win improves the Monarchs to 21-23-0-5.

NOTES: Three Stars: (3) Jonathan Bernier (2) Teddy Purcell, (1) Marty Murray ... the Sharks skated a man short as both Ryan Vesce and Cory Larose missed the game with the flu... Attendance was announced 5,015... final shots were tied at 31...The game was the 4th of eight meetings between the Worcester Sharks and the Manchester Monarchs this season... the series is tied at 2-2-0-0... Thomas Greiss made 28 saves net for Worcester. Jonathan Bernier made 29 saves in net for Manchester... The Sharks went 0-5 on the power play while Monarchs went 0-3... Jason Demers had an assist for the 4th straight game (0-4-4)...Jamie McGinn scored his 6th goal in his last 10 games.

The Sharks continue their seven game road trip as they travel to Providence for a 4:05p.m. afternoon tilt on Sunday against the Bruins.

All games can be heard live on 580 & 94.9 WTAG as well as online through AHL Live by following the link on the Sharks website, www.sharksahl.com.

Be sure not to miss any of the action of the 2008-09 Worcester Sharks season and buy your tickets today! The Sharks are offering a special "Buy One Get One FREE" ticket offer through February 20th! Purchases can be made by visiting the box office, contacting the Worcester Sharks office at 508.929.0500, or by crashing the net at www.sharksahl.com.

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