Author: Sports Radio Service

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda up for a tough challenge with Firebirds on Wednesday night at Tech CU

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The San Jose Barracuda got a lot of offense against the Bakersfield Condors on Sat Feb 17, 2024 at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Marko talk about how the San Jose Barracuda scored four power play goals on the Bakersfield Condors and how much that made up a difference in a 7-3 win at Mechanics Bank Arena on Saturday night.

#2 Talk about Cole Cassels who had one goal two assists with a team high of three points and turned out to be his first three point game of the season.

#3 Marko talk about the first period scoring Cassels with his seventh goal of the season, Nathan Todd his fifth goal of the season and Scott Sabourin his 11th goal of the season giving the Barracuda a 3-1 lead.

#4 Ethan Cardwell scored his 15th goal and Kyle Rau his fifth of the season in the second period and in the third period Jacob Peterson his ninth of the season and Anthony Vincent with his first of the season as the Barracuda came away with the four goal win.

#5 Marko, another tall order as the Coachella Valley Firebirds come calling at Tech CU. The last time the Barracuda faced the Firebirds last Thursday they were shutout 4-0 at Coachella Valley. Will Barracuda head coach John McCarthy have his offense turn it up a notch this Wednesday night 7:00pm PT.

Join Marko for the Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Vegas completes season sweep of San Jose with 4-0 victory

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Sharks.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- The Sharks continued their home stand against one of their most hated rivals the Vegas Golden Knights.

Taking over for San Jose today in goal was Mackenzie Blackwood who’s last start was against Calgary when they got a 6-3 win. For Vegas it was Logan Thompson who heading into this one was sporting a 2.77 GAA and .906 SV%.

If you wanted to classify today’s win in anyway it was clinical. Vegas did what it does best which is play their brand of hockey.

Though funnily enough the game did not start that away as they let San Jose hit the post twice early in the game.

Things looked to be in the home team’s favor until Michael Amadio sprung the zone and Zach Whitecloud hit him with a breakaway pass that he scored on getting his eighth of the season.

Vegas then continued to buzz ragging the puck in the Sharks zone until William Karlsson got the puck out front and stuffed it past Blackwood.

Thing continued to get worse when Jan Rutta took a tripping penalty putting Vegas on the power play 17:30 into the period.

The Golden Knights quickly got set up in the zone and Alex Pietrangelo found Mason Morelli wide open out front who tapped home his first goal career goal in his first NHL game. It was certainly a specail moment for the 28 year old who had toiled away for a longtime in the minors before finally getting his shot. On top of that as well they showed on the broadcast that his family was in attendance who got to celebrate his first career goal in person.

The middle frame saw the Sharks get an early power play but they were able to do little with it as Vegas easily killed it off.

Vegas pretty much did the same thing with the rest of the period as they completely shut down San Jose.

We wouldn’t get a goal until 18:44 in when Keegan Kolesar tapped home a pass from Alex Martinez making it 4-0.

The final period saw no goals as Vegas continued to play their brand of hockey frustrating the Sharks to no end.

In the third San Jose was pretty undisciplined being penalized four times though one of them was at the end of the game.

Thompson did end up recording the shutout making 30 saves which was actually his first shutout of the season.

After the loss San Jose’s record drops to 15-35-5 while Vegas notches it’s 33rd win of the season making their record 33-17-6.

The three stars of the game were: 1st: Logan Thompson 2nd: Alex Martinez 3rd: Mason Morelli

San Jose will now have a four day break as they won’t play again until Saturday when they take on Nashville at 7 p.m at SAP Center in San Jose.

Giants sign slugger Jorge Soler to cap off first week of camp

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Former Miami Marlins designated hitter Jorge Soler is looking forward to joining the San Francisco Giants this spring. Soler signed a three year deal with the Giants on Sun Feb 18, 2024 (AP News file photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants announced the signing of free agent slugger Jorge Soler to a three-year, $42-million deal to wrap up an interestingly-productive off-season for the team and President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi.

Despite popular belief, the Giants had a solid off-season. They brought on the old-time baseball man, Bob Melvin, as their manager. Then after missing out on Shohei Ohtani, they struck gold with Korean superstar, Jung-hoo Lee. They also added veteran left-handed starter Robbie Ray, as well as flame-throwing reliever Jordan Hicks, whom they will convert to starter.

Pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training on Tuesday in Scottsdale, Arizona, but that didn’t stop Zaidi from adding to the club. It has been a slow off-season throughout Baseball, and with quite a few choices still to choose from, Zaidi set his sights on the slugging outfielder, Jorge Soler.

Zaidi had traded outfielder Mitch Haniger to the Seattle Mariners in January, and right away, Zaidi got into contact with Soler. The Giants’ pitch to Soler included a zoom call, which was joined by Wilmer Flores and Thairo Estrada, whom along with Logan Webb and Mike Yastrzemski, are considered the clubhouse leaders for the Giants.

The deal was first reported Monday night by Susan Slusser, the Giants Beat Writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Soler was introduced Saturday afternoon at Scottsdale Stadium, the spring training home of the Giants.

“This is a guy that [brings] you a real impact as a manager,” said Manager Bob Melvin, who plans to hit Soler cleanup. “One guy can have a big impact, especially with that type of power. One swing’s always potentially three runs [with Soler].”  

Soler, who hit 36 home runs for the Miami Marlins last season, is a good fit for the Giants. He is the first true slugger they have had since Barry Bonds left at the end of the 2007 Season. The Giants have not had a single player hit 30 home runs in a season since Bonds hit 45 in 2004, and Soler who also hit 48 home runs in 2019, stands a good chance of ending this slump.

“I expect to have good numbers here,” said Soler through translator and Giants Spanish Play-by-Play Announcer Erwin Higueros. “As far as the team, I was able to talk to the coaches [and] to [Melvin], and hearing about the chemistry that they have, [that is what] I like most.”

Soler also has two rings. He was a big part of the 2016 Chicago Cubs, who beat the Cleveland Indians in a seven-game fall classic to end the 108-year Curse of the Billy Goat, the largest championship drought in Sports History. 

Soler was also the 2021 World Series Most Valuable Player for the Atlanta Braves in their six-game series win over the Houston Astros. He led off that world series with a home run, and then hit a mammoth home run that left Minute Maid Park entirely in Game 6. 

Soler will primarily be used as a designated hitter, but he should see time in the outfield, where the Giants are pretty much set with Michael Conforto in left; Lee in center; and Yastrzemski in right. 

The Giants are now also set offensively, as J.D. Davis (third); Marco Luciano (short); Estrada (second); and Flores (first) are set to make the infield. There is also excitement surrounding Giants catcher Patrick Bailey, who is entering his sophomore season.

Other Notes:

  • Position players reported to camp on Saturday, and are set for their first official workout today, and they will continue to get ready for the Giants’ cactus league opener next Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. 
  • The Giants will also be joined by guests, as is the custom every spring. This year’s guests will include Barry Bonds; Buster Posey; Hunter Pence; Will Clark; Ron Wotus; Dave Righetti; and Dusty Baker.
  • Giants’ two-way prospect, Reggie Crawford, who is in camp as a non-roster invitee, will now primarily focus on hitting. 

“The primary focus is hitting,” said Crawford. I decided on that a few weeks ago, so that’s what we’re going to do.

Stephen Ruderman is a San Francisco Giants beat reporter for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA All Star Game podcast with Barbara Mason: East runs up the score on West 211-186 in Indianapolis

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NBA West All Star representing the Minnesota Timberwolves for Anthony Karl-Towns (32) goes for the high percentage shot against the NBA East All Stars in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena in Indianapolis on Sun Feb 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the NBA All Star Game podcast:

#1 Fans got to enjoy the 2024 All-Star game with an exciting new challenge, the first of it’s kind between the NBA and the WNBA.

#2 When it came to game time, fans got to enjoy some legendary performers from the entertainment world. Baby Face and Jennifer Hudson.

#3 After introductions the game got underway and the fans saw some incredible basketball from both sides the East and the West. There were so many standouts it’s hard to pin just one of them down. This game surpassed the 200 point mark.

#4 MVP award went to Damian Lillard which became apparent as the game went on.

#5 It’s now back to business for all of these guys. Here in the Bay Area we will see the Warriors take on the Lakers this Thursday at Chase Center.

Join Barbara Mason for the Golden State Warriors podcast Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

East Wins 2024 All-Star Game 211-186 In An Unforgettable Evening

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NBA West All Star guard Devin Booker (1) representing the Phoenix Suns prepares to throw down against the NBA East All Stars at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis at the 2024 All Star Game on Feb 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

This weekend, the basketball world gathered in Indianapolis to enjoy the 73rd NBA All-Star game at the home of the Indiana Pacers the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This yearly event had even more to offer fans as we all witnessed the first-ever NBA vs WNBA 3-point challenge which featured Golden State Warrior’s Stephen Curry and the New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu.

This was a landmark event that went miles for not only the young boys but the young girls watching. What a great moment for all of them driving home the fact that boys and girls can live out their dreams. Nothing is impossible.

Curry barely edged Ionescu in this wild event winning with a vintage performance. He caught fire just in the nick of time winning the challenge 29-26. Had Ionescu not slowed down at the end of her round it could have been an entirely different outcome.

This was a powerful and fun event that is sure to continue for years to come. State Farm made a donation for each shot drained to the NBA Foundation to support economic empowerment in the Black community. This was just one of the many highlights at this year’s All-Star event.

It was then on to the major event. This of course was a who’s-who from the 2024 rosters but we saw some superstars in the booth as well from Draymond Green to Candace Parker.

It was an incredible star-studded event from the players to the celebrities in attendance to the artists who performed the National Anthems of the United States and Canada. Baby Face delivered a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and Charlotte Cardin was flawless performing the Canadian national anthem.

All Star game recap: It was then on to the game as the greatest players in the NBA took the court; the West captained by 20-year all-star Los Angeles Laker LeBron James and the East’s Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo looking to push the East past the West in this game. This game was especially memorable for Indiana Pacer Tyrese Haliburton playing in his very first All-Star game.

The East took the opening quarter 53-47. Tyrese Haliburton had an impressive quarter being the only player on the floor shooting in double digits with 15 points. He was sure giving home town fans a real show.

The East continued to extend their lead in the second quarter. The West has won the last five of six but it was the East who won last year’s game 184-175 which was played in Salt Lake City. Prior to that game it has been all Lebron and team.

After leading by six points after the first 12 minutes of play, the East took a 104-89 lead into the locker room at the half. They had more than doubled their first quarter lead.

At halftime Damien Lillard had scored the high for both teams with 22 points. Haliburton finished the first half with 18. The West had some work to do in the second half and Curry who finished the first half with 12 points and Kevin Durant also with 12 points were just the ticket to push the West to a win.

One thing that was apparent was the fun that all of these guys were having. While they were competitive with the win and the MVP at stake they were having a great time putting on an amazing show for everyone present.

The first half were two quarters to remember with play that words cannot even begin to describe and it only got better with an amazing halftime show featuring the incomparable award-winning Jennifer Hudson. It was truly a performance not to be missed.

The third quarter saw the East start to pile on more points. After three quarters they were in the driver’s seat 160-136. It also became apparent that Damian Lillard had his focus on the MVP award with some brilliant play and 33 points to his credit through three.

He also had hit nine three’s. He sure seemed to be on a mission looking to add to his hardware after winning the 3-point contest. He was being challenged in the second half of play by Jaylen Brown also with 33 points.

The fourth quarter was a close one with one point separating the two teams. The East had built an almost unreachable lead. The final was 211-186 in favor of the East a record breaking score. To close out the evening the Kobe Bryant MVP award was presented and it went to the amazing Lillard. “It’s an honor playing against the games best,” he said beaming as he accepted the award.

Now it’s back to business for all of these guys as they settle back into the second half of the season leaving fans with memories to last a lifetime.

NHL Stadium Series game 2 Rangers vs Islanders: Rangers Panarin supplies goal for 6-5win in overtime against Islanders; Game delayed 45 minutes

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The New York Islanders Cal Clutterbuck bring the puck from the back of the net (far right) against the New York Rangers in the NHL Stadium Series at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford New Jersey on Sun Feb 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Rangers beat their biggest rival, the New York Islanders, in an overtime 6-5 win in game two of the NHL Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium that had similarities to the Super Bowl.

The NHL’s 41st outdoor game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon was the second of historic back-to-back games at the same venue.

Artemi Panarin made an unassisted shot 10 seconds into overtime to win it for the Rangers.

“The weather was great. Two teams played hard and you know they had their moments, we had our moments,” said Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette. “It goes to overtime and obviously it was a big goal for us by Panarin but it was unbelievable.”

At 1:28 into the first period, Erik Gustafsson made a slap shot assisted by Kaapo Kakko and Jonny Brodzinski to put the Rangers up 1-0. A fight broke out on the ice shortly after.

After the Rangers’ first goal, it was all Islanders. At 4:20 in, Brock Nelson made a wrist shot goal, his 23rd of the season, assisted by Scott Mayfield and Cal Clutterbuck to even the score at 2-2. Then Bo Hovart made a wrist shot assisted by Noah Dobson and Adam Pelech at 7:18. Sixteen seconds later, Mathew Barzal had a tip-in power play goal assisted by Nelson and Dobson to boost the Islanders up 3-1.

The Islanders got off to a good start in the second period as well, with Andres Lee making a wrist shot power play goal assisted by Peirre Engvall and Mike Reilly at 1:03 in to extend their lead to 4-1.

The Rangers showed they were far from giving up as Vincent Trocheck made a wrist shot power play goal assisted by Panarin and Adam Fox at 5:36 into the period to cut the Rangers’ lead to 4-2. Then at 18:24, Trocheck made a wrist shot assisted by Alexis Lafrèniere and Ryan Lindgren so the Rangers trailed by one point to end the period.

The Islanders started the third period strong too as Alexander Romanov hit a snap shot assisted by Dobson at 1:53 in to put them up 5-3. But Chris Kreider on a 6-on-4 power play made a wrist shot assisted by Panarin and Trocheck at 15:52 into the period to come within one point of the Isles. Then at 18:31 in another 6-on-4 power play, Mika Zibanejad made a slap shot assisted by Fox and Lafrèniere to tie the game at 5-5 and take it into overtime. The rest was history for the Rangers.

“It’s a game we’ve been looking forward to. The atmosphere was incredible and to win in the way we did was incredible,” said Zibanejad of the comeback.

It was a crushing blow for the Isles, who have lost multiple games this season in which they lead. But head coach Patrick Roy

“As a coach, ’cause I’m not a player, I feel good about our game,” he said. “Yes, those penalties at the end hurt us, but we did a lot of good things.”

When the puck dropped around 3:45 p.m. ET, it was 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Attendance was 79,690, exceeding game one of the Stadium Series on Saturday night when the New Jersey Devils beat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3. The indie pop band AJR, who are from New York City, performed during the first intermission.

The first-ever back-to-back outdoor games at the same venue was a resounding success for the NHL. From the PreGame fan festival in the middle of tailgating lots to the NHL Stadium Series Park theme that incorporated park elements like grass and paths surrounding the ice rink, it was a larger than life hockey experience that proved that the league is in a spectacular place.

Panarin said he almost cried before the game.

“I had to hold back tears because it was such a spectacle,” he said in Russian. “The support we got from our fans was exactly what we needed to secure the win.”

The Rangers (36-16-3) remain in first place in the Metro division and host the Dallas Stars on Thursday. The Islanders (22-18-14) are fifth in the Metro division and visit the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.

Las Vegas Raiders report: Garoppolo feeling the heat after PEDs use

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Jimmy Garoppolo Las Vegas Raiders quarterback (10) could face being released from the team in mid March after being suspended two games for using an unauthorized prescribed medication. The suspension was meted out by the NFL late Fri Feb 16, 2024 (AP photo file)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is hearing it from social media and insiders in the Raiders organization over his use of PEDs and how he let the whole team down. Garoppolo who received a two game ban for violating the NFL’s enhancing substances league policy. The suspension was meted out on Friday night.

Garoppolo used a prescription medication without permission and exemption from the NFL. Sources say Garoppolo will not appeal the suspension and will be suspended for the first two regular season games next season. Garoppolo will be allowed to participate in pre season games in August but once the regular season begins he will not be allowed near any NFL team training facilities until the second game of the season is completed.

According to the source Garoppolo will be released by the Raiders in mid March which happens to be the fifth day of the new league year. Garoppolo could have earned $11.5 million in roster bonus money for the 2024 but that will most likely be voided because of the PEDs suspension. Garoppolo signed a $72.75 million three year deal $33.75 of it was guaranteed in March. Garoppolo signed with the Raiders when former head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were running the team.

Now that the Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco are running the team that does not give them any obligation to keep Garoppolo and the Raiders most likely will be looking for another quarterback draftee.

Rich Perez does the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts during the Raiders season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Bears steal one from Huskies for another late painful win 82-80

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Washington Huskies center Braxton Meah (34) forward Keion Brooks Jr (1), and guard Koren Johnson (0) battle against the Cal Bears guard Jaylon Tyson (20) and Fardaws Aimaq (far right back) at Alaskan Airlines Arena in Seattle on Sat Feb 17, 2024 (AP News photo)

Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024

Hec Edmundson Pavilion, Seattle, Washington

California Golden Bears 82 (11-15 Overall; 7-8 Pac-12)

Washington Huskies 80 (14-12 Overall; 6-9 Pac-12)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Bears came into Seattle, and beat the Washington Huskies, 82-80, thanks to a late steal and three.

Cal came in having lost their last two. They had lost a devastating nailbiter to the Oregon Ducks in Berkeley last Saturday, and then were rather easily defeated by the Washington State Cougars in Pullman on Thursday. Now, they were in Seattle to play a Washington Huskies team, who beat the Bears in a close one at Haas Pavilion on Jan. 18.

The Huskies won the opening tip, but there wouldn’t be any scoring for a minute and a half. That was when Fardaws Aimaq got Cal on the board with a hookshot. Aimaq and Jaylon Tyson combined to score the Bears’ first 13 points

The game was neck and neck in the early going with Cal up 13-11. Koren Johnson and Keion Brooks Jr. then combined to score seven unanswered points for the Huskies to put them up 18-13.

The Huskies held the lead until Jalen Cone laid one in with 7:20 remaining to tie it at 23-23. Tyson laid one in to give Cal a 25-23 lead, and the Bears took the momentum, as they opened a 40-33 lead with two minutes to go.

The Huskies bounced back, and they clawed their way back in to go into the half down four at 42-38.

Brooks hit a jump shot for the Huskies to make it 42-40 to start the second half, and Cone hit a three to make it 45-40, as the two teams see-sawed their way through the early minutes. Paul Mulcahy hit a three to give the Huskies a 47-46 lead, and then Tyson alley-ooped to Keonte Kennedy, who slammed it down to put the Bears back ahead, 48-47.

Koren Johnson hit a layup to make it 49-48 Washington, and the Huskies mostly took control from there. Cal did comeback to tie it on a free throw by Aimaq to make it 53-53, but the Huskies just as quickly retook the lead, and opened up a 61-55 lead with 10:44 to go.

However, the Bears were not going to let the Huskies pull away with it. Aimaq and Tyson hit layups to make it 61-59, and the Bears were now just down by two. The Bears hung in there, as they twice tied the game, but they were unable to get a lead.

Mulcahy was fouled and hit one of two from the line to put Washington up 75-70 with 4:23 to go. Grant Newell then hit a pair of layups to make it 75-74, and the Bears were headed for another thrilling finish in this painful season.

The Huskies kept their small lead, but Jalen Celestine sank a three with 1:40 remaining to tie it at 79-79. Sahvir Wheeler was then fouled, and he hit one of two from the line to put the Huskies back up, 80-79 with 1:16 to go.

The 80-79 Huskies’ lead held up going into the final seconds. With 15 seconds remaining, Jalen Cone stole the ball from Wheeler, and then called time. The Bears inbounded the ball, and got it to Jalen Celestine, who sank a three-ball with five seconds left to give the Bears an 82-80 lead.

Wheeler then tried to lay one in, but he missed, and the Bears came out with another painful win, as they somehow managed to win this one, 82-80.

In the midst of tonight’s epic win was Jaylon Tyson’s 28-point performance. It comes as no surprise that Tyson’s performance was not the main highlight, as tonight’s win was a team effort, just as most of the wins have been for the Bears this season.

The Bears improve to 7-8 in Pac-12 play, and 11-15 overall. Now, they will return home for their final home stand of the year. First, the Oregon State Beavers will come in for a 7 p.m. tip at Haas Pavilion on Thursday night, followed by the Oregon Ducks, who will be in for a 4 p.m. next Saturday.

Stadium Series game 1 Flyers vs Devils 2/17/24: Devils Hischier nets two goals in 6-3 win over Flyers at Met Life

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New Jersey right winger Tyler Toffoli (73) celebrates putting the puck in the net against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period in the Stadium Series at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford New Jersey on Sat Feb 17, 2024

By Jessica Kwong

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils dominated the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night with a 6-3 victory in game one of the NHL Stadium Series that is making history as the first-ever outdoor professional hockey event with back-to-back contests at the same venue.

The NHL’s 40th outdoor game was filled with spectacle at MetLife Stadium, which serves as the home for the NFL teams the New York Jets and the New York Giants. The Devils hosted their division rivals, the Flyers, and came away with a much-needed win that put them two points behind Detroit Red Wings for the wild card.

“It was a big game, big event but especially a big game against a rival, a four-point game there and it was a huge win for us so that’s a team we’re chasing,” said Devils captain Nico Hischier. “So I think everybody was ready to play and it was all business for us.”

Only 32 seconds into the first period, Hischier made a backhand goal assisted by Ondrej Palat to put New Jersey up 1-0. It was the second fastest goal in an NHL outdoor game after Colby Armstrong’s goal 21 seconds into the Winter Classic back in 2008. At 13:30, Tyler Toffoli made a wrist shot from Brendan Smith and Jack Hughes to boost the Devils up 2-0.

In the second period, Owen Tippett made a wrist shot assisted by Travis Konecny and Egor Zamula to cut the Flyers’ lead to 2-1. There was an outburst of scoring at the end of the second period. At 16:36, Smith made a wrist shot from Palat and Hischier to put the Devils up 3-1. New Jersey kept up their offense and at 17:48, Nathan Bastian made a snap shot from Timo Meier and Curtis Lazar to extend their lead to 4-1.

The Flyers answered back at 18:23 when Tippett made a wrist shot from Konecny and Morgan Frost and Philadelphia trailed 4-2.

Flyers head coach John Tortorella said the most important part of the game was when they got a roll in the second period and starting taking penalties.

“Not so much being man down but we’re man down, four on four,” said Tororella. “We needed another goal in the second and I thought we were right there knocking on the door, but then we took some penalties and it took us out of our flow.”

In the third period, Hischier made a wrist shot at 2:48 from Jesper Bratt and John Marino to bring the Devils up 5-2. The Flyers pushed to remain in the game as Nick Seeler made a wrist shot at 9:07 from Scott Laughton and Sean Walker to make it 5-3. But the Devils were relentless as Bastian made a wrist shot from Erik Haula and Lazar at 18:15 to lead and eventually beat the Flyers 6-3.

Devils head coach Lindy Ruff commended his team for coming through in the third period.

“As we talked this morning, we needed this win. If they beat us it puts them almost out of reach,” said Ruff. “You look at that game and you enjoy it and we move on to the next one now.”

It was 30.6 degrees Fahrenheit when the puck dropped at 5 p.m. PT for the first game of the 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series. There were 70,328 fans in attendance.

MetLife Stadium was transformed under the theme NHL Stadium Series Park, with the ice rink in the middle of the football stadium surrounded by grass, plants, paths, park benches and a couple of floor hockey courts. The teams’ mascots, the NJ Devil and Gritty, ran around the “park” and special guests watched a special pre-game concert on a grassy area behind one of the goals. The Jonas Brothers played the pre-game concert and during the second intermission.

The Devils travel to face the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. The Flyers finish their three-game road trip at the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

On Sunday, the Stadium Series continues at MetLife Stadium with the New York Rangers (5-16-3) versus the New York Islanders (22-18-13), first and fifth in the Metropolitan Division respectively. The puck drops at 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET.

Barracuda power play bludgeons Condors in 7-3 win

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Bakersfield Condors forward Drake Caggiula (#9) attempts a shot on goal against San Jose Barracuda goalie Magnus Chrona (#30) during the Barracuda’s 7-3 win at Mechanics Bank Arena on Saturday FEB 17, 2024. (Bakersfield Condors)

by Marko Ukalovic

The San Jose Barracuda power play was a Saturday night special.

San Jose scored four power play goals, the most they have scored in a game this season, during a 7-3 route of the Bakersfield Condors on Saturday evening at Mechanics Bank Arena.

San Jose has won three of its past four games after dropping its first two after the All-Star break by scoring the most goals in a road game this season. Bakersfield has lost three out of its last four games.

It was a weird special team’s game,” said Condor’s head coach Colin Chaulk. “We felt like we had a good start but then we got into some penalty trouble, and they converted right away. And from there we were chasing the game.”

San Jose (17-23-8-0) drew first blood with its first power play goal, at the halfway mark of the first period. Thomas Bordeleau centered a pass over to Cole Cassels who buried a one-time past Condors goalie Olivier Rodrigue for his seventh goal of the season at the 10:29 mark. Newly appointed ‘Cuda captain Radim Simek picked up the secondary assist to snap an eight-game pointless streak.

The Barracuda doubled its lead with its second power play goal 69 seconds later. With Raphael Lavoie in the sinbin for roughing, Cassels funneled a pass over to a wide-open Nathan Todd, who slammed home a one-timer for his team leading 15th goal of the season.

Bakersfield (23-16-2-2) cut the deficit in half with a power play goal of their own. Former ‘Cuda forward Lane Pederson split through two Barracuda defenders before centering a pass over to Drake Caggiula who tapped home the puck past ‘Cuda goalie Magnus Chrona for his ninth goal of the season at the 17:23 mark.

It only took 20 seconds for San Jose to regain its two-goal lead on its next shift. Greg McKegg giftwrapped the puck over to Scott Sabourin in the neutral zone. Sabourin beat Rodrigue to the short side with a wrist shot on the breakaway for his 11th goal of the season.

San Jose made Bakersfield pay when Markus Niemelainen went to the penalty box for a four-minute high sticking penalty in the second period with two more power play goals. Ethan Cardwell made it 4-1 with his co-team leading 15th goal of the season at the 8:40 mark after getting in all alone on the Condors defense and beat Rodrigue with a quick wrist shot.

Then just under two minutes later Kyle Rau scored his fifth goal of the season at the at the 10:37 mark when he cleaned up the rebound off of a Jacob Peterson shot where the puck was lying in the crease behind Rodrigue. That ended the night for Rodrigue (11-5-4-0) who was replaced by Jack Campbell after giving up five goals on 19 shots.

Caggiula registered his second goal of the game just 17 seconds later after tapping home a centering pass from Ty Tullio. Pederson picked up his second assist on the goal.

San Jose kept pouring it on third period with two even strength goals. Peterson tipped home a centering pass from Rau for his sixth goal of the season at the 7:42 mark.

Anthony Vincent, who was in the lineup for the first time since last October as he replaced the injured Brandon Coe, finished off the scoring for the ‘Cuda with his first career AHL goal when he redirected a shot from the point by Ethan Frisch at the 12:41 mark.

Dino Kambeitz concluded the scoring with his third goal of the season at the 13:19 mark when his shot from a tough angle trickled through the five-hole of Chrona.

Chrona (5-11-4-0) finished the game stopping 34 of the 37 shots he faced to snap a five-game losing streak and earn his fifth victory of the season. Campbell made seven saves on nine shots in mop up duty.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished the game 4-for-5 on the power play. Bakersfield went 1-for-7.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Cassels 2) Peterson 3) Rau.

San Jose finished the season series 4-3-1 against Bakersfield.

UP NEXT: San Jose return home to begin a three-game homestand when they host the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Wednesday 2/21 at 7:00pm at Tech CU Arena.