Darryl Hunt: WorSharks Lose in Overtime, 3-2

The Worcester Sharks, seemingly in control and possibly on their way to the franchises first shutout, were stunned by Gabe Gauthier's natural hat trick netting the Manchester Monarchs a 3-2 over time victory in front of 5,011 fans at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts Saturday night.

The WorSharks got on the board first while on the power play when Dan Spang flipped a Kaspar pass on Monarchs netminder Erik Ersberg. Ersberg made the save, and a second save on Tomas Plihal, but Lukas Kaspar grabbed the lose puck and found the twine to give Worcester the lead at 7:10 of the first.

The game remained 1-0 through the end of the first and for most of the second period as end to end action with few whistles ruled the evening. The WorSharks would take a 2-0 lead on a goal that was generated entirely by hard work and crashing the net.

As Graham Mink's and Matt Moulson's matching roughing minors expired, Mink took off into the Manchester zone to challenge a Monarchs defender chasing a lose puck. Mink got their first, and tried a wrap around to Ersberg's right. Ersberg made the save easily, but the rebound went right to a streaking Josh Prudden. At this point Mink was in front of the net and tried to move out of Prudden's way, but Prudden instead five-holed Mink as he fired the puck over Ersberg and into the top corner with just 46 seconds remaining in period number two.

Manchester owned the third period, but Thomas Greiss was up to the challenge, making save after save. It looked like it would be Worcester night when Manchester's Troy Milam pushed a shot just wide of an open net after Greiss was down and out after making a great save.

Manchester would spoil the shutout bid with 3:11 remaining in the game when Gauthier would connect into a wide open net after a great cross slot pass by Milam. Manchester would continue to pressure, but when Brian Boyle was called for interference with just 89 seconds to go it appeared the WorSharks had weathered the storm.

The Monarchs, and referee Frederic L'Ecuyer, had something to say about that.

While the WorSharks were on the power play Manchester dumped the puck into the Worcester zone, and it was deflected into the netting with one minute remaining. After Manchester called its timeout, for no reason anyone can fathom, L'Ecuyer overruled the linesmen and moved the face-off into the Worcester zone from the neutral zone despite the puck being deflected out of play by a WorSharks defender while in the neutral zone.

After the face off the puck ended up in the corner to the left of Greiss. Manchester's Teddy Percell fired the puck across the slot where Gauthier picked it out of the air from above the crossbar and past Greiss. Greiss immediately jumped to his feet to protest, but L'Ecuyer continued to signal goal without conferring with either linesman or the goal judge.

Video reply shown on the DCU jumbotron appears to show Gauthier's stick above the crossbar and L'Ecuyer looking not at the net, but in the corner where the pass had come from.

In the overtime period Worcester survived a holding minor to Devin Setoguchi while he played defense. Setoguchi had been playing point on the power play and couldn't make a change before Boyle broke in on Greiss.

With under a minute to go Monarchs defender Jeff Likens flipped a shot on goal as Gauthier interfered with both defenseman Tom Walsh and Greiss. The puck his off of Gauthier and went past Greiss who was unable to get to the puck. Greiss again jumped to his feet to protest, but after a few second simply skated away from L'Ecuyer shaking his head.

GAME NOTES
The scratches for Worcester were Riley Armstrong (lower body injury), Marc Busenburg (healthy), Ashton Rome (healthy), Jonathan Tremblay (healthy), Craig Valette (healthy). Armstrong is not expected to miss much time.

Taylor Dakers didn't play but he was involved in the game, although not of his choosing. Brennan Evans checked Likens on to the dasher in front of the WorSharks bench and almost into Dakers' lap. Dakers put his arms up and pushed Likens back on to the ice. One wonders if he should be credited with a hit or a save.

The three stars of the game were:
Gauthier (Natural hat trick)
Kaspar (1g)
Josh Prudden (1g)
Considering that two of Gauthier's goals shouldn't have counted, my vote for the #1 star is Greiss with 42 saves.

Manchester outshot Worcester in the third period and overtime 28-5, including 10-0 in the overtime period. Those totals are the largest team differentials in the AHL this season.

Mike Morris looked like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as he jumped up to knock down a puck in front of the Manchester net. And just like Kareem, he got nothing but net and the "goal" was waived off.

Even Strength Lines
Kaspar/Plihal/Setoguchi
Morris/Cavanagh/Mink
Raduns/Fox/Iggulden
Packard/Prudden/(everyone)

Evans/Traverse
Walsh/Joslin
Staubitz/Spang

Power Play Lines
Iggulden/Cavanagh/Mink
Raduns/Plihal/Kaspar

Joslin/Walsh
Spang/Setoguchi

Penalty Kill Lines
(Cavanagh)Plihal/Kaspar
Raduns/Mink
Setoguchi/Prudden

Traverse/Evans
Spang/Joslin

Face-offs (offense/neutral/defense = total) (unofficial)
Plihal 2-0/6-2/6-3 = 14-5
Morris 1-1/2-1/3-0 = 6-2
Raduns 1-1/2-3/4-2 = 7-6
Cavanagh 5-1/1-0/1-1 = 7-2
Prudden 1-1/1-0/0-1 = 2-2
Iggulden 1-0/0-0/0-0 = 1-0

BOXSCORE

Manchester 0 0 2 1--3
Worcester 1 1 0 0--2

1st Period
Scoring: 1, Worcester-Kaspar, Lukas 8 (power play) (Plihal, Tomas 5; Spang, Dan 10) 7:10.
Penalties: MCH-Likens, Jeff (Hooking), 5:15. WOR-Evans, Brennan (Cross checking), 10:52. WOR-Plihal, Tomas (Hooking), 16:08.

2nd Period
Scoring: 2, Worcester-Prudden, Josh 3 (Mink, Graham 12; Spang, Dan 11) 19:13.
Penalties: MCH-Boyle, Brian (Hooking), 2:45. MCH-Purcell, Teddy (Slashing), 13:22. WOR-Mink, Graham (Obstr goalie interfe), 14:32. MCH-Moulson, Matt (Roughing), 16:55. WOR-Mink, Graham (Roughing), 16:55.

3rd Period
Scoring: 3, Manchester-Gauthier, Gabe 10 (Milam, Troy 7; Moulson, Matt 12) 16:49. 4, Manchester-Gauthier, Gabe 11 (Purcell, Teddy 30) 19:39.
Penalties: WOR-Iggulden, Mike (Hooking), 2:51. MCH-Boyle, Brian (Interference), 18:31.

Overtime
Scoring: 5, Manchester-Gauthier, Gabe 12 (game winner) (Likens, Jeff 8; Milam, Troy 8) 4:19.
Penalties: WOR-Setoguchi, Devin (Holding), 0:46. MCH-Moulson, Matt (Roughing), 2:30. WOR-Evans, Brennan (Roughing), 2:30.

Shots On Goal
Manchester 10 7 18 10--45
Worcester 7 11 5 0--23

Power Play Conversions: Manchester - 0 of 5, Worcester - 1 of 4.
Goalies: Manchester-Ersberg, Erik (64:19, 23 shots, 21 saves; record: 8-4-3). Worcester-Greiss, Thomas (64:19, 45 shots, 42 saves; record: 9-6-4).
A: 5011. Referee: Unknown. Linesmen: Boyle, Ed; Messier, Mark.

Max Giese: Sharks Prospect Update

Drafting and development continues to be the lifeblood that helps the San Jose Sharks organization maintain the position of a perennial Stanley Cup contender in the National Hockey League year in and year out. Max Giese evaluates the play of several Sharks prospects at the AHL affiliate in Worcester, and lists which players are lighting it up, and which players are stone cold.

WORCESTER UPDATE

LW Lukas Kaspar – Worcester Sharks, AHL.
Lukas Kaspar has elevated his game to a new level this season, to become a bonafide dominant forward in the AHL. Kaspar's size, skating, and skill are all NHL caliber. Kaspar now needs to work on bringing those talents to the table every night to become a consistent offensive force. His two-way game is sound, and he can lift fans out of their seats with beautiful plays at times. The Sharks lack of depth on the left wing, and with Kaspar's rapid development it is more than curious that Kaspar has only seen 3 games this season.

D Dan Spang – Worcester Sharks, AHL.
Similar in playing style to Christian Ehrhoff, Dan Spang loves to rush the puck up the ice and showcase his mobility and powerful shot. The trouble is that Spang has the tendency of coughing the puck up at the worse of times. Spang must refine his defensive game, and round out his skill set to have a shot at cracking the Sharks deep blueline in the next few years.

G Thomas Greiss – Worcester Sharks, AHL.
Thomas Greiss combines superior leg strength, with powerful and fluid lateral movement. Athletically, Greiss has all the tools you look for in a future #1 netminder. Mentally tough, he can battle to win games or provide the big save when needed. Improving his rebound control and puck handling skills are at the top of his priority list right now.

C Ashton Rome – Worcester Sharks, AHL.
Big and brash center that goes up and down the ice hard, finishing all of his checks with authority. The Sharks have to be encouraged with his physical play on the forecheck, and his willingness to play the body in the corners.

D Derek Joslin – Worcester Sharks, AHL.
Defenseman Derek Joslin plays a mature puck moving game that has landed him on Worcester's top power play unit. Although, Joslin's skating is still a little raw, and he must continue to add strength, Joslin is a prized prospect in the organization. He plays an intelligentgame, similar to former Shark Tom Preissing.

C Mike Morris – Worcester Sharks, AHL.
San Jose's first round selection in the 2002 draft is now back on the ice, and receiving ample ice time centering the Worcester Sharks first line. Morris displays the talent and hockey sense that impressed the Sharks, although he still appears to be adjusting to the pro game. He appears to be a step late mentally, and is still looking to regain his past explosiveness with the puck. That is understandable, and it will take some time for him to get back into peak hockey shape after recovering from several multiple serious injuries in recent seasons. The Sharks have to be encouraged with his health and character. (A pre-season feature on Morris is available here).

LW Riley Armstrong – Worcester Sharks, AHL.
Riley Armstrong is a gritty 5-foot-11, 185 pound left wing that jumps out at you with his quickness and heavy shot. He is a fearless player with the puck, and one not shy to hit much larger opponents. In addition to registering career highs for games played (73), goals (19), power play goals (6), assists (17) and points (36) with the Worcester Sharks last season, Armstrong also lead all forwards in penalty minutes with 108. Armstrong has 6 goals, 6 assists, and 49 PIMs in 26 games played this season.

Other prospect related notables:

THE HOT LIST:

RW Nick Bonnino – Boston University Terriers, NCAA.
The Sharks selection of BU right wing Nick Bonnino apears to be turning into a late round gem. Coming out of Eastern Prep High School last season, the book on Bonnino was that he possessed all the hand skill and offensive instincts to be a scorer, if his skating and defensive play could catch up. That is exactly what has happened in his freshman season with Boston University as Bonnino is receiving accolades for his play. He is consistent on the power play, and has not left the Terrier's top two lines yet. Bonnino has a special offensive ability, and he very well could have been a first round selection based on pure skill alone. He has that sixth sense vision that all great play makers have, and he owns a fearsome wrist shot. His defensive game is vastly improved this year.

G Alex Stalock – Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, NCAA.
Stalock has always been regarded as an elite athlete in goal that needed to improve on his consistency and mechanics, both of which he has done this season. Alex Stalock has started every game this season for the Bull Dogs, and his striking play has catapulted Minnesota Duluth to multiple upsets early in the season. Stalock possesses all the athletic gifts to be a great goaltender, and he is starting to learn to use them consistently now. He is also like no other Sharks prospect before him, as his puck handling and puck movement skills are exemplary.

D Justin Braun – Massachusetts Minutemen, NCAA.
Now that Carle and Vlasic have graduated to the NHL, Justin Braun may be the Sharks best puck moving defenseman in the system. Neither the biggest nor fastest, Braun relies on his exceptional hockey sense and striking vision to emerge as an offensive threat from the blue line. In only his sophomore season, Braun has taken the reigns as the Minutemen's top power play quarterback, and he has consistently produced well on a week-to-week basis.

C Steven Zalewski – Clarkson Knights, NCAA.
The Sharks most NHL-ready prospect currently playing in the NCAA, Zalewski is a savvy two-way center with a mean streak. He has been Clarkson's most feared offensive force this season, without losing any of his defensive prowess. Selected in the fourth round along with Torrey Mitchell in the 2004 draft, Zalewski is following the same career trajectory and should turn pro immediately after this season.

D Nick Petrecki – Boston College, NCAA.
The second of the Sharks two 2007 first round selections, Petrecki has been impressive as a freshman for the Eagles, despite his modest offensive numbers. Petrecki is a plus player every night, and he has already established himself as a feared physical presence in Hockey East. With Boston College missing two veteran defenseman, Petrecki has inherited ample ice time immediately.

THE COLD LIST:

C P.J. Fenton – Massachusetts Minutemen, NCAA.
After displaying glimpses of Torrey Mitchell speed and tenacity in his game a year ago, Fenton has failed to build on the momentum he gained last year in the NCAA tournament. He has been slow to find his offensive touch this season. A spirited and fast two-way center, Fenton is a promising prospect that projects well as a third or fourth line center, capable of killing penalties and utilizing his speed to cause problems for the opposition.

RW Carter Lee – Lake Superior State, NCAA.
After losing his scholarship from the Northeastern Huskies for "Simply not being good enough", Carter Lee has struggled early with the Lake Superior State Lakers. He was academically ineligible to play earlier this season, and his lackadaisical work ethic off the ice should be a concern.

D James DeLory – Oshawa Generals, OHL.
The selection of James DeLory was a surprising one amongst the scouting community, and it continues to look suspect with DeLory's recent play. DeLory is a towering defenseman with great size and strength. An aggressive defender, DeLory has a mean streak and decent mobility, but questionable decision making has not improved. His stock as a prospect is so in doubt that the Sharks may elect not to sign him after this season and relinquish his rights. DeLory was suspended recently by the Ottawa coaching staff for unknown reasons, and he has yet to establish himself as a go-to defenseman for the Generals.

[Update] Western defenders highlight talent pool - Kyle Woodlief for Red Line Report.

[Update2] Sharks fall 2007 junior prospects update - Hockeys Future.

[Update3] San Jose Sharks reassign forward Devin Setoguchi to AHL Worcester - Worcester Sharks.

San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has reassigned forward Devin Setoguchi to the Worcester Sharks, San Jose’s top development affiliate in the American Hockey League.

Setoguchi was recalled from Worcester on Oct. 28 and made his NHL debut on Oct. 29 at Dallas, scoring two goals. In 24 games with San Jose, Setoguchi posted ten points (eight goals, two assists). The six-foot, 205-pound native of Taber, Alberta was originally selected by San Jose in the first round (8th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

The Sharks return to the DCU Center on Saturday, December 29th against the Monarchs, with the first 3,000 fans through the gates picking up a hand signed Mike Iggulden collector’s card. The evening will also feature post game fireworks as the Sharks celebrate the upcoming New Year. On Sunday, SpongBob SquarePants will join FINZ as the Sharks host the Lowell Devils at 4:05p.m.

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.