SAN JOSE, Calif. – The Stockton Heat took the short drive to visit the San Jose Barracuda for their second game in as many days at SAP Center for a mid afternoon game. After a heated match last night, when the Heat won 5-2 at home, on Law Enforcement Appreciation night before 6,921 fans in Stockton. David Rittich, after an appearance in the NHL Calgary Flames game the previous night, stopped a career high of 47 shots, unfortunately culminating in the 2-1 loss.
Morgan Klimchuk (18) tries to jump past Mirco Mueller (41) – Photo by Jack Lima
The first period brought some of the same physical play, left over from the previous night. The puck was dominated by the Barracuda, as they outshot the Heat 20-7. About midway through the period, a shot that seemingly snuck past David Rittich in the net, but continued across the blue and back out. After a review of the shot, the Referee waved it off.
Mirco Mueller (R) moves the puck past Linden Vey (15) – Photo by Jack Lima
Things became very heated with only a few minutes remaining, as penalties were handed out and the heat was handed a couple of penalties. The Barracuda capitalized on the 5-on-3 man-advantage, when a rebound shot from the bottom of the circle of the stick of Daniel O’Regan beat Rittich in the net for the fist goal of the night.
Mirco Mueller (41) and Troy Grosenick (1) look for the puck on a shot behind the net – Photo by Jack Lima
Thirty seconds later, pushing and shoving began in front of the San Jose bench, with tempers flaring. In the end, a number of penalties were handed down, including a bench game misconduct.
The second period saw the Heat working the puck harder, keeping San Jose in their offensive zone for much of the early part of the period. The players cut back on the extra curriculars for the period, and concentrated their efforts on solid hockey. The period ended without any goals.
Mark Jankowski (17) fights Joakim Ryan (47) for the puck – Photo by Jack Lima
The third period was much like the second, until Stockton’s captain, Mike Angelidis scored when he slammed the puck to the back of the net, past Troy Grosenick glove side. The two teams stayed knotted at 1-1, ultimately forcing the overtime period.
At 2:12 into the sudden death overtime, Barclay Goodrow slipped the puck past Rittich for the winning goal.
The Barracuda doubled the Heats shots on goal, 49-21. Grosenick earned the win, for his 30 of the season.
Earning a point, still keeps the Condors three points behind, and keeps Stockton in the fourth and final playoff position.
John McCarthy (17) tries to tip a shot past Heat goalie David Rittich – Photo by Jack Lima
Heat goalie David Rittich gets hit by a shot in the face mask – Photo by Jack Lima
Heat goalie David Rittich (39) makes a kick save on a shot by Adam Helewka (52) – Photo by Jack Lima
Dan O’Regan (65) tries to score past Heat goalie David Rittich as Brett Kulak (2) defends – Photo by Jack Lima
Buddy Robinson (26) Rourke Chartier (60) and Keith Aulie (43) chase the puck – Photo by Jack Lima
Barracuda’s goalie Troy Grosenick moves the puck away from Ryan Lomberg (41) – Photo by Jack Lima
Barruda’s goalie Troy Grosenick makes a save in a scrum of players – Photo by Jack Lima
The Heat is looking towards their next game, against the Ontario Reign at home on Wednesday night.
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