WORCESTER 3, MANCHESTER 2
Worcester defenseman Derek Joslin poked a loose puck home with 33.3 seconds left in regulation, breaking a 2-2 tie and sending Worcester to a 3-2 road win over Manchester on Saturday in Game 4 of the Atlantic Division Finals.
The series is now tied at two games apiece, with Game 5 set for Wednesday night in Worcester.
Joslin’s fourth goal of the playoffs was assisted by Dan DaSilva and Brandon Mashinter, who contributed a helper on all three Worcester markers.
Sharks captain Ryan Vesce put his club on top 1-0 with a power play goal midway through the first period, but the Monarchs answered on second-period markers by Gabe Gauthier and Justin Azevedo, who each scored his first goal of the playoffs.
Cory Quirk brought Worcester even at 10:54 of the third frame, setting the stage for Joslin’s game-winner in the closing minute of regulation.
Sharks goaltender Alex Stalock emerged with the victory after making 19 saves between the pipes, while Jonathan Bernier took the loss despite stopping 33 of 36 shots.
Atlantic Division Finals – Series “I” (best-of-7)
A1-Worcester Sharks vs. A3-Manchester Monarchs
Game 1 – Sun., Apr. 25 – WORCESTER 4, Manchester 3
Game 2 – Wed., Apr. 28 – Manchester 3, WORCESTER 2 (OT)
Game 3 – Fri., Apr. 30 – MANCHESTER 5, Worcester 0
Game 4 – Sat., May 1 – Worcester 3, MANCHESTER 2
Game 5 – Wed., May 5 – Manchester at Worcester, 7:05
Game 6 – Fri., May 7 – Worcester at Manchester, 7:30
*Game 7 – Sat., May 8 – Manchester at Worcester, 7:05
