The game started out with both teams testing each other, and the respective goalie. Less Kuntar in goal for Worcester stopped 18 shots on net during the first period, to the glee of the 3,287 fans in the Centrum. Despite the defending against the pounding in their own end, Worcester still found enough time to mount an attack which netted David Haas his sixth goal of his three games in the AHL. The first period was a clean period, with only one penalty being given to Worcester's Jarret Dueling for a cross-check in Worcester's zone.
The second period saw St. John spend most of the period in its end as Worcester's offense took the heat of Les Kuntar. Worcester had 14 shots on goal in the second period, versus 6 in the first period, and by this reduced the shots on their own goal to 5. The frustration level on the ice increased as both teams skated at each other ineffectually, and 14 minutes of penalties were given out for things ranging from tripping and holding to roughing.
The third period of this game was a penalty fest as one game ejection, three majors, and 10 minor penalties were given out, the period possibly would have been more exciting if both teams were skating at full strength, which was an uncommon occurrence.
Worcester's Rob Melanson, who averages two roughing penalties a game, started the period out getting a five minute major for fighting (not roughing) after he and St. John's Bob Nieckar went at it in front of the benches, and then again in front of the penalty boxes. The only other notable penalties were a six minute combination penalty on a St. John player and a game ejection on Jarret Dueling for High Sticking. (The St. John player had to be carried from the ice.)
All in all it was a rather disappointing game, that showed that Worcester, while having mastered keeping the puck out of their own goal, has to get down the art of putting it in the other teams goal. They played the Springfield Falcons last night in the Springfield Civic Center, losing to their nemesis from down the Pike by a score of 3-0 in a game that was characterized by more physical Springfield sticking it to Worcester. (of Springfield's eight points, five are courtesy of Worcester.)
The Icecats next play on Saturday night versus the Falcons in the Springfield Civic Center for the second half of a double header. Thier next home game is Wednesday night versus the Prince Edward Island Senators, game time is at 7:05pm.