Worcester Sharks Top Providence, 1-0, To Even Series

An early goal by Tom Cavanagh and strong goaltending from Thomas Greiss was all that the Worcester Sharks needed as they knotted their Atlantic Division Finals Series at two with a thrilling 1-0 win inside a loud DCU Center against the Providence Bruins on Saturday evening.

Greiss’ shutout was the third of his career; all have occurred in his last 11 games. This comes after 146 professional appearances without a shutout.

The Sharks found the back of the net on their first shot of the game to take a 1-0 lead only 4:41 into the first period. Breaking into the offensive zone, Cavanagh made a pass to Patrick Traverse on the left wing side.

The puck got away, but Traverse corralled it along the boards and gave it back to Cavanagh in the right wing circle. Cavanagh beat Providence goalie Tuukka Rask high to the glove side. Riley Armstrong was credited with the other assist on the play.

Providence’s best first period chance came when a Martin St. Pierre shot got behind Greiss but hit the post just over seven minutes into the contest.

Worcester continued to control play in the first but was unable to beat Rask another time. The Sharks held a 14-2 shot advantage after 20 minutes while hitting two posts of their own.

Action heated up at 12:11 of the second period with a huge scrum, leading to 40 combined minutes of penalties. It all started when Dan DaSilva and Brad Marchand mixed things up. Then, well after the play, Jamie McGinn dropped the gloves against Game Three’s nemesis, Vladimir Sobotka. Brett Westgarth and Providence’s Adam McQuaid each received 10 minute misconducts as well.

Greiss stood on his head in the third period, stopping a Providence onslaught dead in its tracks to hold on for the victory. The Bruins outshot the Sharks 13-3 in the final stanza.

Notes: The game's Three Stars were Rask (26 saves, 1 GA), Cavanagh (goal), and Greiss (26 saves, 0 GA)...Attendance was announced 3,019...The Sharks went 0-for-4 on the power play while the Bruins went 0-for-5...Greiss made his 26th straight start in net.

The Sharks head to Providence for Game Five on Monday, May 11 for a 7:05 p.m. opening faceoff. Worcester returns home for Game Six on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets for home playoff games are currently on sale to the general public. Single-game 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).

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

The above story was excerpted from a release by the Worcester Sharks of the AHL. Todd Civin is a Bleacher Report correspondent who covers the Sharks, the Boston Breakers of the Women's Professional Soccer League, and the Boston Red Sox. If you have comments or story ideas, feel free to email Todd at [e-mail]