San Jose Barracuda defenseman Luca Cagnoni (#42) plays the puck out of his zone during his team’s 4-1 loss to the Iowa Wild at the Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday NOV 2, 2024. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

The Iowa Wild reversed their fortunes against the San Jose Barracuda in a 4-1 victory on Saturday evening at Wells Fargo Arena.

San Jose had its five-game winning streak snapped. Iowa has won two games in a row after starting the season losing their first seven games. Iowa was swept by San Jose when they visited the ‘Cuda two weeks ago.

Iowa (2-6-1) drew first blood 15 seconds to start the game. A failed clearing attempt by ‘Cuda defenseman Jake Furlong was intercepted by Ben Jones. The Wild center skated around Furlong and beat Barracuda goalie Yaroslav Askarov with a wrist shot to the far side for his second goal of the season.

The Wild doubled its lead with an even strength goal right before the opening frame finished. Hunter Haight began an odd man rush up the ice. Haight found Travis Boyd along the left wing. Boyd centered a backhanded pass to Michael Milne who finished off the play with a wrist shot past Askarov for his third goal of the season at the 19:49 mark.

It was the worst first period by San Jose (6-2) this season as they started and finished the period giving up goals. They had 10 shots on goal but weren’t able to get one passed by Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt.

Iowa scored its third unanswered goal of the game early in the second period. Graeme Clark skated into the ‘Cuda zone on a counterattack. Clark deked out a Barracuda defender before sending a rink wide pass over to Brendan Gaunce who beat Askarov to the far side with a wrist shot for his third goal of the season at the 4:54 mark.

The Barracuda had two power play opportunities in the middle frame but weren’t able to cash in either one as the Wild penalty kill kept San Jose off of the board.

San Jose spoiled Wallstedt’s shutout bid with an even strength goal in the third period. A shot from the point by Jimmy Schuldt was initially saved by Wallstedt, but Colin White crashed the net and cleaned up the rebound for his fourth goal of the season at the 12:23 mark.

Body completed the scoring with an empty net goal, second of the season, with 1:05 remaining in the game to seal the deal for Iowa.

Wallstedt (2-3-1) stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced in earning his second win of the season. Askarov (5-1) made 32 saves on 35 shots in suffering his first loss of the season.

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

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Wallstedt 2) Boyd 3) Milne.

UP NEXT: San Jose and Iowa conclude their two-game series on Sunday 11/3 at 1:00pm at Wells Fargo Center.