By: Eric He

photo credit: San Jose Barracuda; SJ Barracuda defeated in Ontario 12-13-15

The San Jose Barracuda could not hang on to a 1-0 third period lead on Sunday night, falling 2-1 in overtime to the Ontario Reign on the road.

They nearly escaped with a thin victory, but with the net empty for the Reign late in the third period, a deflection by Justin Auger on a shot from the point found the back to the net to tie the game at 1-1. Kevin Gravel won the game for Ontario in overtime, scoring on a tight angle on the rush.

The Barracuda’s lone goal came late in the first period courtesy of Trevor Parkes, who deflected a shot by Mark Cundari into the net.

San Jose outshot Ontario 24-20, with both teams finishing 0-for-2 on the power play. Peter Budaj stopped 19 of 20 shots for the Reign, who pulled off a dramatic home win.

The division-leading Reign advance to 15-4-2-0 while the Barracuda drop to 9-9-1-3. Next up for San Jose will be a Friday night tilt against the Gulls.