Saturday, March 8, 2008

 

Devils Hold Off Sharks for 3-2 SO Win
Caruso wins fourth straight start

 

WORCESTER, Mass. – For the third time this season the Lowell Devils and Worcester Sharks skated past regulation and for the third time it was Devils prevailing with a 3-2 shootout win on Saturday at the DCU Center.

 

Tied 1-1 in the third period, Lowell took the lead with their second power play goal of the night.  Rosario Ruggeri’s fourth of the season found the back of the net as his slapshot weaved through traffic and past Dimitri Patzold at 8:55.

Graham Mink, however, would the send the game into overtime when he used a screen to sneak his wrister from the high slot inside the near post with just 2:58 left in the contest.

Though unable to manage a shot in overtime, Caruso and Devils were able to force the shootout.  Grant Marshall opened round 1 with a backhander through the five-hole of Patzold, but Worcester answered on Mike Iggulden’s tuck shot under the pad of Caruso.  The Devils goaltender held the Sharks scoreless for the remaining four rounds, while Mike Pandolfo provided the only goal his team would need to pull out the win.

Caruso finished the contest with 27 saves through overtime to extend his winning streak to four consecutive games. 

The first period didn’t see any goals until its final minutes when Worcester drew first blood at 17:42 as Lukas Kaspar circled up the far boards and threw a shot that pinballed its way past Caruso. 

The Devils were able to respond quickly as the Sharks’ Nate Raduns was sent to the penalty box for hooking.  On the ensuing power play, Petr Vrana tied the score, 1-1, with less than fifty seconds in the first when he one-timed Grant Marshall ’s pass to the near dot over a sliding Patzold.  Grant Marshall had the second assist on Vrana’s 12th of the season. 

Lowell went 2-for-4 on the power play and 5-for-5 on the penalty kill. 

The Lowell Devils return home to face the Worcester Sharks on Irish Night on Friday, March 14 at 7:05 p.m.  Fans will have the chance to win Dropkick Murphys concert tickets.  The Devils will also be giving away Boston Celtics tickets to a lucky fan along with complimentary limo service to and from the arena courtesy of Corporate Coach and Limo.  Tickets start at just $10; call the Devils office at (978) 458-PUCK for more information or visit www.lowelldevilshockey.com.   Listen to all of the Devils action from Ryan Johnston on 980AM WCAP or www.b2livetv.com.