SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 13: The San Jose Barracuda host the San Diego Gulls at Tech CU Arena on November 13, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Andreea Cardani/San Jose Barracuda)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE–Yaroslav Askarov made 48 saves on 49 shots in his 100th AHL game. Tonight’s game was a goalie duel between starters Calle Clang and Yaraslav Askarov only letting in 3 goals combined. The San Jose Barracuda won against the San Diego Gulls on Wednesday night for a one game series.

Forward Sam Colangelo opened up the scoring at 8:03 of the 2nd period netting his 2nd PPG of the season assisted by Tristan Luneau and Yegor Sidorov. After 4 separate PP opportunies in the 1st period, San Diego took advantage and scored on a Jimmy Schuldt high-stick penalty.

San Jose took advantage of their own powerplay when Thomas Bordeleau scored his 1st of the season on a Nikita Nesterenko interferance penalty, assisted by Collin Graf and Luca Cagnoni. When asked how he felt after scoring, he smiled and said “it felt good-when I don’t score, I’m not too happy with myself”.

Bordeleau gave the Barracuda a late lead of 2-1 at 12:49 of the 3rd period. Cagnoni registered his 2nd assist of the night and Poturalski registered the 2nd assist. Bordeleau and Cagnoni had success together all night. When asked, they had similar responses, “I know what to expect, he’s a good player and knows the game well”.

Collin Graf and Luca Cagnoni have been a staple in assists being the top two on the team. They combine for 19 assists on the season. Graf is 3rd in the AHL for points with 15, and Cagnoni is on a 4-game assist streak. When asked what makes him successful, he chuckled and responded with “I’m just playing hockey. Having fun and sticking with it”

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

1. Yaroslav Askarov: 48 saves on 49 shots
2. Thomas Bordeleau: 2 goals
3. Luca Cagnoni: 2 assists

The Barracuda will host the Calgary Wranglers on Saturday and Sunday for a 2-game series. San Jose is currently second place in the Pacific Division 3 games behind Calgary which makes this an important series. When asked what preparation looks like for this series, Head Coach John McCarthy said “Have practice the next few days, look over film. It’s going to be a challenge, they’re a first place team who have had a lot of success.