Shootout In Favor of the Sharks

This afternoon theProvidence Bruinshosted theWorcester Sharksat the Dunkin Donuts Arena where they would play 65 minutes and a shootout to determine a winner.Niklas Svedbergwas able to four of the five shots against him, but it would beJames Sheppard‘s shot in the first round that did him in to seal a 3-2 victory for the Sharks.

The Bruins came out in the first period ready to play some Sunday hockey and the shot clock showed it with the Bruins holding a 16-5 edge halfway through the period.Lane MacDermidnearly gave the Bruins their first of the night as he rang one off of the post, but it would beChristian Hansonwho would find the back of the net. Hanson’s goal is his second of the weekend and third of the season and was assisted byMatt Bartkowski. With 4:36 remaining to play, the Sharks were being outshot 24-6, but with 20 seconds remaining they were able to sneak one past Svedberg to tie the game at 1.

The second period brought a lot of pent up frustration from both teams asJamie Tardiffound himself in the middle of scrums andJordan Caronfound himself in a headlock behind the net, butJustin Florekwould provide some light as he lit the lamp with a little help fromChristian Hansonfor his first goal of the season allowing the Bruins to regain a one-goal lead. As Tardif would go to the box for a double minor penalty for high sticking, the Sharks were able to capitalize once again and tie the game, going into the final frame tied at 2 a piece.

While the Bruins had a record of 2-1-0 when going into the final frame tied, that record was evened out today as the third period remained scoreless as did the five minute overtime, sending the game to a shootout. The final decider would be fromJames Sheppardwho was able to beat Svedberg in the first round and seal the two points for Worcester. Providence walks away from their three-in-three weekend with 5 out of a possible 6 points and takes on theManchester MonarchsFriday at the Dunkin Donuts Arena.

Game Notes…

• Goaltending:

Niklas Svedbergmade 30 saves out of 32 shots and turned 4 out of 5 shots away in the shootout. He currently holds a record of 8-4-1 with a 2.39 goals against average and .92 save percentage.

Harri Saterimade 50 saves of 52 shots against him and turned all 5 shootout attempts away. He currently holds a record of 3-4-1 with a 3.39 goals against average and .892 save percentage.

• Shots on Goal: Providence: 25-12-9-6 (52) Worcester: 8-13-7-3-1 (32)
• Power Play Opportunities: Providence 0 / 5 Worcester 1 / 4

Three Stars of the Game:

1. James Sheppard, SOG (Worcester)
2. Harri Sateri50-52 saves; 5/5 SO saves (Worcester)
3. Christian Hanson, 1 Goal, 1 Assist (Providence)

*Note: All statistical information courtesy ofAHL.com,Official Game Day Score SheetandText Box Score

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