The score on the image show the San Jose Barracuda lost by a goal on Sunday night at the Tucson Convention Center to the Tucson Roadrunners 2-1 in the season opener (sjbarracuda.com image)

By Marko Ukalovic

The San Jose Barracuda lost their season opener to the Tucson Roadrunners at the Tucson Convention Center on Sunday 2-1 in overtime. The Barracuda’s John Leonard scored San Jose’s only goal of the day an unassisted goal at 6:24 in the third period.

Barracuda goaltender Alexi Melnichuk stopped 23 shots. For Melnichuk a tough effort stopping every shot except one and the Barracuda finished the game on a power kill going three on three.

Tucson’s Cam Dineen scored the game winner in overtime at 1:17. For the Barracuda they had not played a regular season game in 334 days dating back on March 10, 2020. The Barracuda had eight players who made their AHL debuts which included San Jose Sharks draftees Ozzy Wiesblatt and Tristen Robbins.

The Barracuda and Roadrunners match up again for game two of the series Monday night at 7:00pm. The Barracuda will serve as the home team in Tucson.