Taylor Shines As Monarchs Drop Sharks, 2-0

January 23, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


MANCHESTER, NH- Unable to ride the momentum from Monday's thrilling comeback victory, the Worcester Sharks fell to the Manchester Monarchs, 2-0, on Wednesday evening at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH.

Taylor Dakers had a tremendous game in net, but it wasn't enough. He made a career-high 34 saves on 36 shots. Manchester's netminder Daniel Taylor was even better, stopping all 35 shots, marking the third time the Sharks have been shut out this season.

The Sharks started the game strong, but could not find the back of the net. Their best chance came less than ten minutes into the period on their first power play. After a succession of tic-tac-toe passes on a rush up ice, Graham Mink found himself on the door step right outside the crease, but his shot misfired.

The Monarchs made Worcester pay, taking the 1-0 advantage at the 12:25 mark of the first. Brady Murray took a shot from just outside the faceoff circle to the left of Dakers. Dakers made the save, but the rebound bounced right to Peter Kanko, who held the puck and made a move around Dakers, firing it into the open net. Brian Boyle was credited with the other assist on the play.

Manchester had a golden opportunity to double their lead at 18:43, but Dakers came up with a big left pad save. After a flurry of opportunities, David Meckler put a low shot on net that was ticketed for the right corner, but Dakers closed the door and controlled the rebound, drawing a faceoff.

With three seconds remaining in the period and a draw in the offensive zone, the Sharks pulled Dakers. They put good chances on net, but it went for naught as they went into the locker room with a 1-0 deficit, despite holding the 14-11 shot advantage.

The second period went by the boards without either team lighting the lamp. Kevin Westgarth did have an opportunity at 15:42 of the second. Dakers made a tremendous stop on the initial shot and the puck deflected right to Westgarth ten feet in front of the crease. He put a shot on goal, but Dakers made the save.

Manchester held the second period shot advantage, 15-11, and the 26-25 edge through two.

After Derek Joslin took a hooking penalty with seven seconds remaining in the second period, the Monarchs started the third on the power play. At 1:10, Trevor Lewis had a golden opportunity to add insurance when he took a rifling shot from the left faceoff circle. It beat Dakers, but hit the left post to keep it 1-0.

Brennan Evans was called for a slashing penalty at 1:26, leading to a Monarchs 5-on-3 power play. At 1:42, it was déjà vu when Gabe Gauthier took a shot, only this time from the right faceoff circle. It hit the right post and bounced out. The Monarchs continued the onslaught, but Dakers was there to close the door before covering up.

Manchester finally capitalized at 10:13 when Lauri Tukonen made a pass from behind the net to Westgarth in front of the crease. Westgarth found the left corner of the goal for the 2-0 advantage.

Mink thought he had cut the lead to one at 10:58. Off a Riley Armstrong rebound, Mink tried picking the top corner of the net, but was stoned by Taylor.

Final shots were 37-33 in favor of the Monarchs.

The Sharks look to get back on the winning track when they travel to Hartford on Friday for a showdown with the Wolf Pack. They then travel back to Springfield on Saturday before the All-Star Break. Worcester, Manchester, and Springfield are battling for the fourth and final Atlantic Division playoff spot.

After another road game at Philadelphia, the Sharks return to the DCU Center to face the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday, February 2 at 7:05 p.m. with the first 3,000 fans in attendance receiving a hand-signed Graham Mink Collector's Card. Fans are encouraged to come to the arena early, as Saint John's and Saint Peter-Marian will square off in the First Annual High School Hockey Classic with a 4:00 p.m. contest prior to the Sharks vs. the Monarchs.

For more information on these and other promotions, or to purchase tickets, call the Sharks offices at 508-929-0500 or check out the new www.sharksahl.com. All games can be heard live on 580 WTAG, as well as online through B2 Networks, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.sharksahl.com.

NOTES: Brad Staubitz and Manchester's Kevin Westgarth dropped their gloves at 3:15 of the second period. Staubitz made an open-ice hit on Trevor Lewis and Westgarth came over, slashing Staubitz and instigating the bout. Westgarth received an extra two minutes for slashing ... Staubitz had his second fight at 17:04 of the second period, when he faced off against Drew Bagnell just inside the Sharks' defensive blue line. Staubitz got in strong lefts over the long bout, easily taking the advantage before dropping Bagnell to the ice ... After only three first period penalties, 12 were called in the second period, four of which were the fighting majors ... The Sharks' penalty kill has now gone seven games without allowing a power play goal against them. In that time, they have killed off all (32) opponent power plays ...The final attendance figure was 4,810 ... Dakers had a career-high 34 saves on 36 shots for the Sharks while Taylor made 35 stops on 35 for Manchester ... Power plays: Worcester: 0 for 6, Manchester 0 for 5 ... Three stars: 1. Daniel Taylor (36 saves on 36 shots) 2. Peter Kanko (1g) 3. MAN Kevin Westgarth (1g)



American Hockey League Stories from January 23, 2008


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