Sharks Shutout the Pack 6-0 in Game Four to Tie Series

By: Ricky Carchedi  (From the Worcester Sharks Web Site)

Worcester, MA  – The Sharks were flying on all cylinders as they exploded in the third period with five goals to claim Game Four with a score of 6-0 Wednesday night at the DCU Center to tie the series at two game a piece against the Hartford Wolf Pack.

With the victory, the Sharks will host Game 6 at the DCU Center on Saturday, April 25 at 7:05pm.

Kyle McLaren netted his first goal of the playoffs at 3:19 in the first period with a blast from just inside the blue line that beat Hartford goaltender Matt Zaba that gave Worcester an early 1-0 advantage.

The Sharks offensive attack was crisp in the first as they challenged the Wolf Pack defense with several scoring threats through the first twenty minutes of play. No penalties were whistled as Worcester out shot Hartford 11-10.

The 1-0 lead would hold through a high tempo second frame with continued stellar play by Worcester net minder Thomas Greiss. Thomas anchored the defense as the Sharks were outshot 12-6 in the second.

Worcester came out blazing in the third and produced four goals within the opening 7:21 of the period on just five shots on Matt Zaba. Logan Couture started the rally at 1:23 when he scored his first professional goal to put the Sharks up 2-0.

Couture drove home a feed from behind the net by Tom Cavanagh. Just 2:22 later, Lukas Kaspar would fight through traffic and find the top corner of the net to take a 3-0 lead at 3:45.

Moments later, Ryan Vesce recorded his third goal in two games after Kaspar fought through traffic once again and dished to Vesce for the bang-bang score in front of the crease at 6:16. Tom Cavanagh continued the goal parade and extended the Sharks lead to 5-0 with an assist from Riley Armstrong at 7:21.

The rough stuff ignited at 14:56 when Andrew Desjardins exchanged blows with a frustrated Brodie Dupont around the Worcester net following a team scrum along the boards.

With :47 seconds left in the game T.J. Fox scored his first goal of the playoffs as the Sharks cruised on to shutout the Wolf Pack 6-0 in Game Four and tie the series 2-2.

Game Five is tomorrow night at the XL Center.

Editors Note: The Sharks are the AHL affiliate of the NHL San Jose Sharks, while the Wolf Pack are the babies of the NHL New York Rangers.

NOTES:  Three Stars: (3) Kaspar (2) DaSilva (1) Greiss…Attendance was announced 1,911…Thomas Greiss made 30 saves in net for Worcester AHL for his first shutout in the playoffs…Matt Zaba made 21 saves in net for Hartford…The Sharks went 0/1 on the power play while the Wolf Pack went 0/3…Thomas Greiss made his 20th straight start and had his second career shutout…Riley Armstrong and Dan DaSilva each recorded two assists.

The Sharks head back to Hartford for Game 5 of the Calder Cup Playoffs on Thursday, April 23 for a 7:00 p.m. start.  CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS.  The seven game series is scheduled as follows.

HARTFORD vs. WORCESTER   Series tied 2-2
Game One	Thu., April 16	SHARKS at Wolf Pack	L, 2-0
Game Two	Sat., April 18	SHARKS at Wolf Pack	L, 5-3
Game Three	Mon., April 20	Wolf Pack at SHARKS	W, 3-2 2OT
Game Four	Wed., April 22	Wolf Pack at SHARKS	W, 6-0
Game Five	Thu., April 23	SHARKS at Wolf Pack	7 p.m.
Game Six	Sat., April 25	Wolf Pack at SHARKS	7:05 p.m.  (Game C)
*Game Seven	Mon., April 27	SHARKS at Wolf Pack	7 p.m.

Tickets for home playoff game C (Game Six) are currently on sale to the general public. Single-game playoff ticket prices are $18.25, $15.25, and 11.75, reflecting a league-wide increase of $1 over regular season prices.

In addition, fans may purchase a variety of Playoff ticket packages:

-Family Fun Pack – Four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas for just $65 ($16.25 per extra person).

      - Playoff Fun Pack – Four flex vouchers and either one signed Sharks stick or four Sharks camouflage hats for $66 (16.50 per extra person).

      - Playoff Flex Pack – 10 flex vouchers for the entire playoffs for $140.

The Sharks reduced their 2009-10 season ticket prices and they are on sale now!  Playoff tickets are also on sale. 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.

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.