SAN JOSE, Calif. – The Stockton Heat travelled to San Jose to take on the Barracuda, but lack of defense and sloppy playing attributed to their 5-1 loss at the SAP Center.
“We’re not playing very well right now and the last couple of games in particular,” said Heat Coach Ryan Huska. “We’re a much better hockey team than what we’ve shown these last couple of games. We just haven’t had the intensity we need. We’ve lost a lot of one-on-one puck battles and we weren’t nearly good enough tonight to compete in a game like this.”
Barracuda goalie Troy Grosenick makes a save – Photo by Jack Lima
Despite the defensive problems, Derek Grant extended his point streak to five games (4 goals and 4 assists), with the Heat’s only goal in the second period.
The Barracuda scored early in the game, beginning with Trevor Parke’s goal at 7:49, followed a short time later by a Petter Emanuelsson goal at 9:57. The Barracuda lead 2-0 going into the first intermission, outshooting the Heat 14-10 shots on goal.
Barracuda goalie Troy Grosenick makes a diving stop on Brett Kulak’s shot – Photo by Jack Lima
The second period got off to a rough start when Bryan Lerg was able to poke the puck into the net, with Joni Ortio lying sprawled out on the ice following a series of shots during a power play. Barclay Goodrow scored the Barracuda’s fourth goal at 11:48 when he capitalized on an odd man rush beating Ortio five-hole, triggering a goalie change for the Heat in favor of Kent Simpson. This was Simpson’s first time in the net since November 27, when Ortio allowed four goals in just over thirteen minutes against the Condors.
Alex Gallant (left) tries to bat the puck out of the air – Photo by Jack Lima
With Emanuelsson in the box for interference, the Heat’s Grant scored a power play goal at 16:33 of the second period.
“[Jakub Nakladal] got a good shot off from the point that went a little wide, but I was able to find it coming off the back wall and get it up over the goalie,” Grant said after the game about his goal.
But it wouldn’t be enough, the Barracuda notched their final goal at 3:11 of the third period, when Goodrow beat Simpson for their fifth and final goal of the night.
Trevor Parks (84) knocks Heat Defenceman Tyler Wotherspoon (5) into goalie Joni Ortio – Photo by Jack Lima
Troy Grosenick earned the win in the net for San Jose, with 31 saves for the night. The win moves the Barracuda into fourth position in the Pacific Division with 11-9-2-3.
Other notable items, Barracuda’s Ryan Carpenter has a five game point streak following his two assists tonight, while Nikolai Goldobin, Emanuelsson and Lerg are all on three game point streaks. Heat Coach Huska was behind the bench for his 100th game in the AHL, despite their loss.
The Barracuda continue their home stand on Monday afternoon against the Charlotte Checkers. It’s an early game, as the Barracuda share home ice with the NHL San Jose Sharks, who play at home later in the evening.
The Heat will return home with a day to practice, before they welcome the San Diego Gulls on Tuesday evening at the Stockton Arena.
Ryan Lomberg (32) checks Petter Emanuelsson (55) – Photo by Jack Lima
Ryan Lomberg (32) and Ryan Carpenter (40) battle for the puck in front of the Heat net – Photo by Jack Lima
Petter Emanuelsson (55) and Barclay Goodrow (89) battle for position in front of the Heat net as Jakub Nakladal (33) defends – Photo by Jack Lima
Patrick McNally (51) checks Freddie Hamilton (11) into the net and on top of goalie Troy Grosenick – Photo by Jack Lima
Heat center Turner Elson (13) tries to get position in front of Barracuda goalie Troy Grosenick as Julius Bergman (63) and Gus Young (70) defend – Photo by Jack Lima
Bill Arnold (46) collides with Troy Grosenick (1) – Photo by Jack Lima
You must be logged in to post a comment.