Photo: @sjbarracuda

By Alexandra Evans

SAN JOSE—The Barracuda faced the Reign again for the second match of this week’s doubleheader. After receiving a shutout defeat yesterday, the Reign took their crown back and overthrew the Barracuda 4-1 this afternoon.

The Reign accelerated offensively after failing to score yesterday. Matt Luff notched the first goal just over two minutes into the match, but the Barracuda tied up the score five minutes later when Jon Martin sniped the puck directly past Reign goaltender Cal Petersen’s left side, his first goal of the season (assisted by Nick DeSimone). The Reign failed to take advantage of their two power play opportunities, leaving the score tied 1-1 after 20 minutes. San Jose had 14 shots while Ontario had 13.

The Barracuda outshot the Reign in the second period as well, but they were unable to score, even on the man-advantage. That being said, their defensive strength translated from the previous day and they managed to hold the Reign scoreless through the second period.

The Reign kicked things into overdrive in the final 20 minutes, though the Barracuda kept their momentum through the third period. The Reign simply managed to succeed on every chance they took. Michael Mersch notched a power play goal just under two minutes in, this time on the power play. Luff scored his second of the game at the 12:10 mark. The Barracuda had a power play opportunity beginning at 13:42, but were still held scoreless. Troy Grosenick was pulled from the Barracuda’s net, and Andrew Crescenzi put up the Reign’s fourth goal at 17:30.

Overconfidence was not the issue (given the Barracuda’s 40 shots on goal compared to the Reign’s 28), nor was a lack of effort or mistakes being made. The Barracuda’s effort remained strong as ever; the Reign just located the back of the net and put forth more momentum than the previous day.

“It was a tiring game. I don’t think we deserved the outcome that happened, but it’s just how it goes,” noted Martin (who also noted it felt good to “get the first goal [of the season] out of the way”).

Roy Sommer concurred, insisting that all the Cuda needed was “more fate.”

On a separate note, one could argue that center Rourke Chartier, who is returning from a six-month hiatus due to injury, has some shoes to fill as Danny O’Regan was called up to the Sharks yesterday.

“Whoever takes Danny’s spot needs to produce,” Sommer said. “They are going to see a lot of minutes, as Danny was our number one minute guy as far as power plays and penalty kills.

“Rourke is going to get even better [as the season progresses]; tonight was only his fourth game, but he’s got some good practice underneath him, his conditioning is good. He should be able to handle [stepping in].”

The Cuda are back at home on Wednesday, November 22 to face the San Antonio Rampage.