San Jose Barracuda vs Bakersfield Condors on Friday January 2nd at Dignity Health Arena (via condors/x)

By Madison Montez

BAKERSFIELD–The San Jose Barracuda grabbed an important game to maintain position in the AHL standings with a 4-1 win over the Bakersfield Condors on Friday night. Coming onto the ice at the right time, Filip Bystedt shot one through goaltender Matt Tomkins to put San Jose ahead of Bakersfield 1-0 early in the first period. After being left open, Max Jones tied the game at 1-1.

Bakersfield took a 2-1 lead three minutes into the second period when Roby Järventie beat Jakub Skarek above his left shoulder.

Speeding through San Jose’s zone, Connor Clattenburg extended Bakersfield’s lead to 3-1. To seal the win, Seth Griffith scored an empty net goal to seal the 4-1 Bakersfield win.

After the first period, San Jose had the 1-0 lead and also outshot Bakersfield 11-8. After the second period, Bakersfield had the 2-1 lead but shots were even, 11 each. After the third period, Bakersfield, who scored twice, outshot San Jose 12-9.

San Jose wasn’t able to stay out of the penalty box, sitting down six different times while Bakersfield only went to the box one time. Neither team was able to capitalize on their opportunities. Coming into Friday night’s game, San Jose was second on the powerplay while Bakersfield was first. Shorthanded, San Jose was last and Bakersfield was fourth.

Jakub Skarek, who is 1-0 against Bakersfield got the start for San Jose. Skarek recorded the loss, making 27 saves on 30 shots. For the Condors, Matt Tomkins who is 0-1 against San Jose, got the start in Friday night’s game. Tomkins recorded the win, making 30 saves on 31 shots. Gabriel Carriere and Connor Ungar are expected to get the starts in Friday night’s game.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

1. Max Jones
2. Matt Tomkins
3. Seth Griffith

The Barracuda will be back in action Saturday night against this same Bakersfield Condors team.