Zalewski Sinks Pirates In Shootout Win

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


WORCESTER, MA - The Worcester Sharks beat the Portland Pirates in an exciting 3-2 shootout win on Heroes Night - A Tribute to the Worcester 6, on Sunday afternoon at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Andrew Desjardins (7th goal) and Dan DaSilva scored in regulation for the Sharks, but Steven Zalewski's 4th round shootout goal sunk the Pirates in Worcester's 2nd shootout in less than 24 hours. With the win, the Sharks set a new franchise record with points in eight consecutive games (7-0-0-1).

The Sharks set an aggressive tone for the game right from the faceoff with crisp passes, sharp shooting, and heavy hits. Despite the 10 shots on Pirates' netminder Jhonas Enroth and 8 on Worcester's Alex Stalock, neither team put one between the posts.

About five minutes into the second period the Sharks thought they pushed one by Enroth, but it was recalled much to the Worcester fans' dismay. Andrew Desjardins (7th goal) made one count at 9:23 when he received a pass from Dan DaSilva in front of the net and flipped it in to put the Sharks up 1-0. The Pirates fired back at 19:08 when Mark Mancari (10th goal) set up a slapshot that slipped by the glove of Alex Stalock, tying the game at 1-1.

The third period opened with a 10-man scuffle behind the Sharks' net. Worcester quickly responded when Cory Quirk fed to Dan DaSilva inside the crease at 2:38 for a goal that gave Worcester back the lead, 2-1. Portland's Mark Mancari (11th goal) scored his second goal of the afternoon at 12:32, balancing the score at 2-2 and forcing overtime.

Neither team could find the back of the net during the overtime, forcing the Sharks into their 2nd shootout in 24 hours. Ferriero and Vesce scored for Worcester, but it was the fourth shooter, Steven Zalewski, who scored the game-winner. Alex Stalock, wearing his special W6 Tribute goalie mask, was perfect in the shootout stopping all three shooters. The mask is being auctioned off on SharksAHL.com through Wednesday.

With the shootout win, the Sharks swim to 15-10-0-2 (32 points) on the season and currently have an EIGHT game point streak (7-0-0-1) for a new franchise record.

Notes: Three stars: (3) Alex Stalock (30 saves), (2) Andrew Desjardins (goal), (1) Dan DaSilva (goal)... Alex Stalock made 30 saves for the Sharks...Jhonas Enroth made 37 saves for Portland... Worcester went 0/4 on the power play...Portland went 0/3 on the power play... Final shots were 40-32 in favor of the Sharks...The Sharks are 1-2-0-0 against Portland this season...Worcester is in a stretch of playing just six games in 27 days... Joe Callahan (1st fighting major) fought Kyle Wanvig in the 2nd period.... Before the game the Worcester Police and Fire Department hockey team tied the Providence Fire team 5-5.... The Sharks raised a special W6 Tribute banner to the rafter during a moving pregame on ice ceremony.

Worcester travels to Manchester to battle the first place Monarchs on Friday, December 11th at 7:30pm.

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices! Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500. 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

* Significant savings off box office ticket prices

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

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 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.



American Hockey League Stories from December 6, 2009


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