P-BRUINS BITE SHARKS IN SHOOTOUT

Sauvé Scores Game-Winner in 3-2 Win

Worcester, MA -- The Providence Bruins defeated the Worcester Sharks 3-2 in a shootout this evening at the DCU Center. Jamie Tardif and Matt Bartkowski scored in regulation and Max Sauvé had the game-winner in the shootout.

Coming off an exciting come from behind 3-2 victory over the Manchester Monarchs last night, the Bruins came to Worcester hoping to carry over the momentum. However, both teams got off to a slow start. The Sharks were the first to gain momentum and quickly capitalized with a goal at 11:10. Despite outshooting Worcester 9-to-7 during the period, Providence couldn't find the back of the net and went into the first intermission trailing 1-0.

The Bruins and Sharks exchanged scoring opportunities, but it was a battle of the goaltenders as solid play from Michael Hutchinson and Alex Stalock kept both teams off of the board. The Bruins had multiple chances on only seven shots in the first period, but couldn't capitalize and went into the final frame trailing by a goal.

Providence came out flying in the third period and got on the board at 2:20 off a goal from Tardif, his eighth of the season. After largely dominating play the entire third period, Providence's efforts finally paid off at the 17:58 mark when Bartkowski's shot slipped by Stalock. It was originally not ruled a goal as the light didn't go on, but after review it was ruled a goal and the Bruins tied the score with just over two minutes to play.

After a scoreless overtime period, the teams were forced to a shootout to decide game. Again, it was a duel between goalies as both Hutchinson and Stalock were flawless through the first five rounds. Sauvé got the game-winner in the sixth round, giving the Bruins the 3-2 shootout win.

Hutchinson's 32 saves in regulation, five in overtime and six in the shootout earned him his second win of the season.