STOCKTON, Calif. – The Stockton Heat finally won a game in regulation 5-4 over the San Jose Barracuda on their eleventh try this season, leaving the Barracuda only one more single chance to make history.
Close-up of the military patches on the Stockton Heat’s Military Appreciation jersey – Photo by Jack Lima
The Barracuda need only a single point in one more remaining home game this season, to clinch the last playoff seat; the Heat were eliminated last week. San Jose could eliminate the Charlotte Checkers from the final position if they earn that last point in their last home game.
Barracuda goalie Aaron Dell receives a snow shower from Emile Poirier (21) after a rush to the net – Photo by Jack Lima
At the Stockton Arena, on Military and Fan Appreciation night, the two teams battled it out to the end. The Heat wore specially designed sweaters with military logos, which were auctioned off following the game.
The Head led most of the first period. Austin Carroll scored in just under two minutes from the opening puck drop, and set the pace for the period. Carroll’s goal came after a few rebound attempts, when it finally trickled in through an Aaron Dell five-hole. Kenny Agostino and Freddie Hamilton were given the assists on the goal. It was about two minutes later, when Emile Poirier beat Dell up high. Dustin Stevenson and Kenney Morrison both had assists on the play.
The sole goal by the Barracuda came at 8:07, when Trevor Parkes scored his first of the night, beating Nick Schneider in the net. Stockton ended the period at 3-1, following Agostino’s first goal of the night at 18:11 off a power play goal.
Emile Poirier (21) follows a shot past Barracuda goalie Aaron Dell as Karl Stollery (3) provides support – Photo by Jack Lima
Stockton’s play skidded nearly to a halt when San Jose dominated the second period, ultimately taking over the lead. Stockton spent too much time in the penalty box during the period.
The first second period goal from Nikolay Goldobin (his 20 for the season) came at the 1:29 mark. Nikita Jevpalovs goal, at 13:56 beat a sprawling Schneider to the net. Joakim Ryan was given an assist on both goals. The Heat lost control of the puck in their zone, and Parkes raced it to the net, and after a slight hesitation to throw Schneider off balance scooped it into the net, unassisted at 14:41
Hunter Shinkaruk (16) watches as Ken Agostino’s (not pictured) first period goal eludes goalie Aaron Dell – Photo by Jack Lima
Kenny Agostino (sitting) celebrates his third period goal – Photo by Jack Lima
Following the second intermission, the Heat returned to the ice and turned up their game, eventually scoring the winning goal at 10:55 and holding the Barracuda scoreless. Agostino scored the tying goal at 9:31, followed by Hunter Shinkaruk’s wraparound goal (his 27th for the season).
“Obviously it’s not easy when you know you’re out of it two games before the season ends,” said Shinkaruk. “It’s never fun to play when nothing is on the line, but I think our guys did a really good job of coming up with something that got us going and I think it’s a testament to our team that we came out and got that win.”
Agostino’s two goals helped the Heat in this win and he was happy to make it happen.
The Heat fiercely defend the net in the last minute of play, to hold on to the win. – Photo by Jack Lima
“We showed a lot of character, a lot of heart and a lot of pride. That’s what we want to do all weekend,” Agostino said. “It was important for us to get this win for our fans and obviously Military Appreciation Night is another bonus. Our fans have been great all year and have supported us, so it was important that we sent off our season at home on the right note.”
Dell came out of the net with just under two minutes remaining, but the Barracuda were unable to make anything work. Dell had 23 saves for the loss in the net, while Schneider chalked up 33 saves in the win.
Sweaters specially designed for Military Appreciation Night – Hunter Shinkaruk during the playing of the National Anthem. – Photo by Jack Lima
Stockton was one for two on the power play opportunity, while San Jose was zero for four chances.
The two teams will battle again in a mid-day game on Sunday at San Jose’s SAP Center. This game will most definitely be exciting, as Stockton can finally eliminate the Barracuda from the final playoff position. You can bet that the Checkers will be watching this one from across the country, hoping for a Stockton win in regulation as well. A San Jose tie or win will put them in the last playoff seat.
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