WORCESTER, Mass. – Christmas did not come early for the Worcester Sharks, who struggled in all aspects of the game while suffering three consecutive road losses this weekend.
The Sharks especially were especially lacking on offense, managing just five goals in the three losses: a 3-2 overtime decision to Connecticut; a 7-2 blowout in Bridgeport, and a 2-1 tilt with Manchester. Worcester is now 15-10-2-4 and sit in third place in the AHL’s Atlantic Division, six points behind first-place Manchester.
“It was a tough stretch of games,” Worcester coach Roy Sommer said. “It’s tough to come away with just one point out of a possible six.”
The biggest loss of the weekend, however, came Friday night when Jonathan Cheechoo was boarded by Connecticut’s Mats Zuccarello. Cheechoo said his whole left side hurt afterward and was unsure how long he would be out of action.
Sommer said the Sharks would be sending a tape of the hit to the league for review for a possible suspension to Zuccarello.
The game with the Whale was a tremendous battle, complete with four fights and an exciting finish. The Sharks had plenty of opportunities to win the game with three power plays in the final 10 minutes and a 27-22 shot advantage, but were unable to solve goaltender Chad Johnson.
Chad Kolarik sent the Whale fans home happy when he scored with 30 seconds left in overtime, beating Alex Stalock with a shot from the left wing.
Saturday’s game at Bridgeport was not the best effort, as the Sharks battled back from an early 2-0 hole before surrendering five straight goals in the 7-2 loss. David Marshall netted a goal and had a fight in his first game with the Sharks, while T.J. Trevelyan netted his fifth goal of the season in the loss. Carter Hutton allowed seven goals on 31 shots in a rare start in goal.
The Sharks bounced back with a more solid performance on Sunday but another poor third period cost them, as Manchester scored twice, then held on for a 2-1 win.
“We need to play a complete game,” Sommer said. “We’ve put together a lot of good two-period games, but the games are three periods long. Two periods won’t cut it against the teams we play.”
The Sharks are off until Sunday when they host the Portland Pirates. Paul D’Amato, who played Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken in Slap Shot , will be honored at the game. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a Worcester Sharks Slap Shot movie poster.
Contact Steve.Kendall@prohockeynews.com
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