MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com -Lowell, MA – Rookie Brandon Mashinter scored two power play goals, Derek Joslin added three assists, and Tyson Sexsmith made 29 saves in his first professional start as the Sharks defeated Lowell 5-4 in the Devils home opener at the Tsongas Arena on Saturday night.

Each team came out flying at the start of the first period, and for the third straight game, the Sharks grabbed a 1-0 lead as Dan DaSilva banged in a loose rebound in front after the initial shot by Derek Joslin from the right point just 43 seconds into the contest.  After the Devils connected on the power play with a goal by Matt Taormina at 3:09, the Sharks scored with a man advantage of their own.  Sharks rookie Brandon Mashinter scored his 2^nd of the season as he deflected a shot from the stick of Ryan Vesce from the right circle past Gerald Coleman at 7:23.  The Sharks led 2-1 after twenty minutes outshooting the Devils 11-9.

Brandon Mashinter lit the lamp again, this time on a 5on3 power play chance as he drilled home a juice rebound in front at 6:29 of the 2^nd period.  The power play was awarded after former San Jose Sharks Rob Davison jumped Sharks rookie Dennis McCauley after the whistle and received a major penalty for fighting while McCauley received a minor for roughing.  The Sharks led 3-1 after forty minutes outshooting the Devils 24-19.

The two teams would combine for five goals in the third period; however the Sharks never gave up their lead. Stephen Gionta scored twice and Matt Taormina scored his 2^nd of the game for the Devils to keep the game within reach.  Dwight Helminen scored his first goal in a Sharks uniform, the Sharks third power play goal of the night and Logan Couture added insurance with an empty net lamp lighter at 19:12.

With the win, the Sharks are now 2-0-0-1 this season.

NOTES:  Billerica native Dennis McCauley made his professional debut tonight… he played hockey at Billerica High and skated at the Tsongas Arena… Louis Liotti and Tyson Sexsmith also made their professional debuts…as the Sharks dressed eight rookies overall… Worcester is now 7-0-0-1 in their last eight road games dating back to last season…Tyson Sexsmith made 29 saves in net in for Worcester. …Gerald Coleman was in net for Lowell making 28 stops…The Sharks went 3/7 on the power play while the Devils went 1/5…. Final shots were 33-33.

Opening night at the DCU Center is Saturday, October 17^th vs. the Lowell Devils.  The first 3,000 fans will receive a Derek Joslin bobblehead and a magnet schedule!  Check us out!

Commissioner Bud Selig shaved drug suspensions of players and broke the rules of MLB. Will Manny Ramirez and three others do a year? What will happen to dozens of minor league players whose records, teams, and leagues are affected? Read the whole story at SZ ( www.mlnsports.com).