By: Eric He

photo by the San Jose Barracuda

The San Jose Barracuda played a tight contest against the Ontario Reign on Friday night in Game 1 of the Pacific Division Semifinals, but came up short in a 2-1 defeat at SAP Center on Friday night.

Trailing 1-0 heading into the third period, the Barracuda got the tying goal six minutes in courtesy of Nikita Jevpalovs, who finished off a beautiful toe drag to even the score.

But with less than five minutes to go, Jonny Brodzinski recorded the game-winning tally for Ontario, scoring from point-blank after being left wide open in front.

It was a scoreless first period, and the game’s first goal did not come until the 40th shot of the game on a long blast by the Reign’s Kurtis MacDermid.

The Barracuda failed to score on four power play opportunities and the Reign outshot the Barracuda 37-29.

Game 2 will be Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the SAP Center.