Sharks Tough, Halischuk Tougher In Opener

Published on October 11, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


LOWELL, MA - While the Worcester Sharks and the Lowell Devils battled for supremacy throughout the evening, Devils forward Matt Halischuk found every possible way to tilt the balance toward the latter. The rookie, playing in just his second professional game, scored four goals and assisted on another as the Sharks lost their AHL opener at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell on Saturday night.

Before the game was over, Halischuk had a shorthanded goal, an even strength goal, and a power play goal, and the Sharks were sent home on the wrong end of a 6-4 score despite a gusty, never-say-die performance.

A physical first period yielded a 5-on-3 power play for the Sharks, and Worcester newcomer Corey Larose converted a crisp centering feed from captain Ryan Vesce to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead at 13:52 of the first period. Before the leftover penalty had expired, however, Halischuk opened his night by beating Worcester netminder Thomas Greiss to net his first professional goal. Halischuk was set up by fellow winger Jon DiSalvatore who, not to be left out, notched four assists on the evening including three on goals by Halischuk.

Three minutes later, a hooking call on Ashton Rome gave the Devils their first power play of the night, and Nicklas Bergfors put Lowell on top at 17:35. Worcester rebounded, however, as Larose again used a feed from Vesce to beat Devils goaltender Scott Clemmensen and pull the Sharks even after twenty minutes.

Two early penalties put the Sharks on their heels to start the middle frame, as Halischuk netted both of his power play tallies during a span of 1:44. The first was the end result of textbook puck movement, as DiSalvatore found Halischuk on the goal line to the right of Greiss, and Halischuk quickly tucked the puck behind Greiss to put Lowell on top, 3-2.

Carbon copy puck movement put the puck on Halischuk's stick again less than two minutes later, and this time the rookie faked a centering feed before challenging - and beating - Greiss from close range again.

A young Sharks team showed resiliency, however, as rookie Frazer McLaren tipped home a slap shot from fellow rookie Jason Demers at 7:03 to pull Worcseter within one. The Sharks fed off the momentum, and killed off the next three Lowell penalties, including a 5-on-3 chance, before Steven Zelewski fed Mike Morris on a no-look pass. Morris tied the game at 14:24, sending the game into the third period all even.

Patrick Davis notched the game-winner at 7:35 of the third, chipping the rebound of an Olivier Magnan wrist shot over the glove of Greiss. Halischuk laid the final blow and provided insurance at 8:12, again on an assist from DiSalvatore.

Worcester will play one more road game, this Friday in Glens Falls, NY against the Albany River Rats, before Saturday's home opener on Saturday evening. Puck drop against the Providence Bruins is slated for 7:05pm, and the Sharks will celebrate the coming of the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic by giving away FINZ! All-Star bobblehead dolls to the first 3,000 fans through the DCU Center gates, sponsored by Charter Communications. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Sharks office at 508-929-0500 or visit sharksahl.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from October 11, 2008


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