Calgary Wranglers forward Matt Coronato congratulates goalie Dustin Wolf on his team’s 1-0 victory over the San Jose Barracuda at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday NOV 3, 2023. (Calgary Wranglers)

by Marko Ukalovic

Dustin Wolf stopped all 27 shots he faced as he needed was one goal to preserve a Calgary Wranglers 1-0 shutout victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Friday afternoon at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Calgary have won five games in a row and remain unbeaten in regulation. San Jose has dropped six games in a row.

Matt Coronato broke the seal early in the first period with a do-it-yourself goal for Calgary (6-0-1-0). Coronato intercepted a clearing attempt by Henry Thrun at center ice. He skated inside the ‘Cuda zone before firing in a wrist shot past ‘Cuda goalie Magnus Chrona for his first goal of the season at the 4:07 mark of the first period. Rory Kerins was credited with the only assist on the play.

A spirited fight between Scott Sabourin and Alex Gallant at the 10:14 mark was the highlight of the opening 20 minutes. Calgary out shot San Jose 11-6 at the first intermission. Wolf stoned Thomas Bordeleau on a breakaway in the period.

San Jose (1-4-3-0) struggled on the power play despite having three opportunities, including a full two-minute five on three advantage to start the middle frame. Wolf and the Wranglers penalty kill held down the fort to keep the Barracuda off the scoreboard.

Calgary survived a late rush from San Jose late in the third period when they pulled Chrona for an extra attacker in the final minute of regulation.

Wolf (5-0-0) recorded his first shutout of the season, his eighth of his AHL career, and second against San Jose. Chrona (0-3-1), who had his strongest game of the young season, made 34 saves on 35 shots in suffering the tough luck loss.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-5 on the power play. Calgary was 0-for-4.

Wolf remained undefeated against San Jose as he improved his record to 12-0.

Chrona was called up by the San Jose Sharks after the game and will serve as the backup to Makenzie Blackwood in Saturday’s contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the SAP Center.

UP NEXT: San Jose and Calgary conclude their two-games series on Sunday at 11:00am at the Scotiabank Saddledome.