HARTFORD, CT – The Sharks won their fourth straight game for the first time this season with two goals from Graham Mink and a phenomenal 38-save performance by goaltender Thomas Greiss. Team Teal now has 79 points in the Atlantic and is tied for the fourth and final playoff spot in the division after the Lowell Devils dropped a 3-2 decision to the Portland Pirates in a shootout.

For the 46th time this season the Sharks allowed the opening goal of the game. Craig Weller scored his 8th goal of the year on a set up from Brandon Dubinsky 15:35 into the opening frame for the period’s only score. The Sharks were out-shot by Hartford 16-3 through twenty minutes and took the only two penalties called in the period. Thomas Greiss was very impressive in his 14th consecutive appearance making 15-saves in the period.

Four unanswered goals erased a two-goal deficit and gave the Sharks a 4-2 lead after forty minutes of play. The flurry of offense didn’t come until after Hartford extended their advantage to 2-0 on a goal from Brandon Dubinsky just 2:12 into the period on a breakaway for his 15th of the year. The Sharks resurgence started with a goal from Graham Mink, his 23rd of the year on a rebound tally at 8:45 into the period. Garrett Stafford then got into the mix with a power play goal, his 9th goal of the year and his second in as many games, at the 15:46 mark to tie the game at 2-2. Tom Cavanagh, who assisted on the Stafford goal, then scored his 12th goal of the year to give the Sharks their first lead of the night at 18:07 chasing Al Montoya from the Hartford goal. Chris Holt, Montoya’s replacement couldn’t even get comfortable before Lukas Kaspar scored his 9th of the season just six seconds after Holt hit the net. The period ended with the Sharks leading 4-2.

Graham Mink’s empty net tally would secure the Sharks fourth consecutive win 5-2 over Hartford. Thomas Greiss finished the night with 38-saves.

Tomorrow night the Sharks host their inaugural “Guns ‘N Hoses” Night at the DCU Center in a salute to Worcester’s Bravest and Finest. Worcester Police and Fire Departments will face off in a game at 4:45 followed by the Sharks and the Providence Bruins at 7pm. The night will feature post-game fireworks and Chip Clips to the first 3,000 fans, courtesy of the Telegram & Gazette.