SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Barracuda (31-26-4-4) welcomed the Stockton Heat (32-27-2-4) to SAP Center for a matinee game but sent them home with a 7-3 loss, thanks to a four goal third period.
San Jose opened the scoring at 6:44 with a goal from Jacob Middleton, who’s shot from in front of the net beat David Rittich in the net during a powerplay. But only 13 seconds later, Defenseman Oliver Kylington scored his sixth goal of the season. Emile Poirier put the heat in the lead at the 15:03 mark when his shot beat Antoine Bibeau in the Barracuda net.
The Heat lead until 14:09 of the second period, when Colby McAuley evened the score, followed a couple of minutes later when Emerson Clark scored the go-ahead goal for the Barracuda.
At 4:07 of the third period, Colin Smith scored on a loose puck infront of the net. Morgan Klimchuk and Dillon Dube were credited with the assists. That would be the end of the Heat’s scoring, as the Barracuda scored the next four goals, including an empty net goal for the 7-3 win. Julius Bergman, Alexander True Rudolfs Balcer’s (empty net at 17:47) and Alexander Chmelevski (18:26).
Rittich had 28 saves for the loss, while Bibeau’s 21 saves earned the win. Stockton was zero for two on the power play, while San Jose netted one for two chances.
The Heat are struggling here late in the season, having lost the last two games, and have only won three in their last ten games. Not a good way to end the season, they have only three games remaining. The Reign and Roadrunners have each clinched a playoff berth, and the Gulls, Stars and Barracuda all lead them in the current standings. The Heat are currently in a must win situation to see any postseason action and it will not be easy. They face the Reign in two more games and the Barracuda in their final game of the season.
Oliver Kylington (4) moves the puck away from Rudolfs Balcers (38) – Photo by Jack Lima
Mike McMurtry (7) and Alex True (70) chase the puck in the corner – Photo by Jack Lima
Heat goalie David Rittich stops a shot by Manuel Wiederer (85) as Dillon Dube (19) helps defend – Photo by Jack Lima
Heat goalie David Rittich lunges to cover the net as Colby Robak (27) and Rudolfs Balcers (38) fight for puck control – Photo by Jack Lima
Heat forward Ryan Lomberg (41) looks for the puck in the corner – Photo by Jack Lima
Heat defenseman Josh Healey (3) tries to move Adam Helewka away from in front of the net – Photo by Jack Lima
Emile Poirier (21) and Radim Simek (51) fight for the puck – Photo by Jack Lima
Brett Findlay (36) moves the puck up ice as Manuel Wiederer (59) defends – Photo by Jack Lima
Barracuda’s forward Colby McAuley (85) celebrates his goal past Heat goalie David Rittich – Photo by Jack Lima
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