Author: Sports Radio Service

Warriors Squeak Past Portland 118-114

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The Portland Trail Blazers forward Tourmani Camara (33) is sandwiched between Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (left) and Brandon Podziemski (right) in Portland on Sun Dec 17, 2023 (AP News file)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night the Golden State Warriors (12-14) closed out another tight game, the second in a row beating the Portland Trail Blazers (6-19) 118-114. They set the pace in the first half but Portland battled back tying the game a number of times in the second half but never taking the lead. Klay Thompson was the high for the team with 28 points.

After beating the Brooklyn Nets last night at Chase Center, the Warriors took on the Trail Blazers at Moda Center Sunday night. The Trail Blazers have been struggling this season but they come into this game full strength. They are a young team and have a lot of growing to do. The Warriors on the other hand are filling in their starting roster and have that to contend with. After pulling Saturday night’s game out, the Warriors were able to string two wins together Sunday night. 

Game recap: The Warriors had a good start leading 27-23 after the opening quarter. They were more aggressive than the Trail Blazers in this game and really got going in the second quarter. They led at the half 65-49 after winning the second quarter 38-26. 

Stephen Curry only had four points in the first half but the rest of the team stepped up big time giving the Warriors the lead at the half. Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis all put together a great first half giving Golden State a sizable lead.

Despite being down by 16 points at the half Portland continued to fight. In the third quarter, the Warriors extended their lead to 22 points only to have the Trail Blazers cut their lead to 11. Golden State had cooled off considerably in the third quarter and Portland was coming up with some great defense.

With five minutes left in the quarter the Trail Blazers trailed by six points. At 2:12 this game was tied at 82 and it was a brand new ball game. Portland had taken control of this game in a real turnaround and the 22 point Warrior lead was gone. 

The Trail Blazers offense cooled off a bit as the third quarter came to an end and the Golden State’s offense had a surge to end the quarter. The Warriors had pushed their lead to 89-84 with one quarter left in this game.

With ten minutes left in the game the Trail Blazers refused to go away trailing by two points 91-89. Portland had not led once the entire game but at 8:08 this game was tied again at 93 as the Trail Blazers fought to take the lead.

Curry checked back into the game as the team was looking for some more Curry magic in the fourth quarter. Golden State pushed their lead back to nine 102-93 with five minutes left in the game as the Warriors were looking to end their road game losing streak. 

Playing off the bench really lit a fire under Andrew Wiggins; he was having a terrific game. Last night Curry carried the team and tonight it was the team that took the pressure off Curry bringing this win home. 

It was a tight finish with the Warriors holding a two point lead when the veteran experience of Chris Paul stepped in draining a three giving Golden State a 115-111 lead with 20.9 left on the clock. 

The Trail Blazers got to within one point 115-114 but fouled Curry who made one shot and missed the second. Portland fouled Brandin Podziemski who made both free throws and that was the game 118-114. The Warriors had broken a seven road game losing streak.

Thompson had a huge night with 28 points and off the bench Wiggins was lights out with 25 points and seven rebounds. It was a quiet night for Curry who finished with seven points and not a single three. 

Despite only seven points for Curry, his teammates filled in the gaps with some excellent play from Thompson, Wiggins, Kuminga, Podziemski and Tracyce Jackson-Davis. It was a complete team effort in this game tonight bringing home this win against a stubborn Trail Blazer team.

The Warriors head home to Chase to take on the Boston Celtics Tuesday night. The Celtics have a 20-5 record and sit in first place in the Eastern Conference. The Warriors will need all hands on deck from top to bottom in this game. Golden State will be looking for a third win in a row. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

  

Cardinal Prevented any VANDALism by Idaho on the Farm, as they won 82-64

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Stanford Cardinal guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) goes up for a lay up against the Idaho Vandals at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sun Dec 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif — The Stanford Cardinal (5-4. 0-0 Pac-12) subdued the Idaho Vandals (6-5, 0-0 Big Sky) 82-64 on a rainy Sunday in the Bay, without Spencer Jones..

Senior forward Spencer Joneswas out with a leg injury, but it didn’t prevent his fellow Cardinal from performing a dominant win inside Maples Pavilion. They not only picked up the slack, but freshman Kanaan Carlyle gave a great contribution in his Stanford debut.

Despite Idaho scoring the first two points of the game, the Cardinal led threat of the way, after taking a 4-2 lead. During that time frame they went on a 9-0 run and led by as much as 19 points.

The team ended the first 20 minutes with the 19-point lead, shot 63% from the field grabbed 22 rebounds and dished 11 assists. The Cardinal defense was steller too, as they forced the Vandals to shoot a putrid 27% from the floor, and 19% from threeland.

Neither team had a player in double-digits at the half, although Stanford’s junior forward Maxime Raynaud offered eight points and five rebounds and freshman guard Andrej Stojakovic also chipped in 8 points. The aforementioned Carlyle dropped seven points himself. Idaho’s redshirt-freshman Tyler topped his team with five points.

At intermission, Stanford 41-22, and was seemingly in total control of the game. The half ended with the vandals only leading for 23 seconds, while the Cardinal had the advantage for more than 18 minutes.

In the second half, despite many comeback attempts (6-0 run) by Idaho, Stanford had extended the lead as much as 23 points and never looked back

To the Vandals’ credit, they did shoot 53% in the second half, in addition to scoring 20 more points (42) than the previous half of play. Stanford on the other hand, scored the exact amount of points (41) in both halves.

When it was all said and done, the major damage was executed in the first half, and turned out to be enough to complete the mission/win. Stanford led a total of 38:22 and shot 56.4% overall for the game. This dominance led to the 18-point victory, 82-64.

The Cardinal had four players reach double-digits, and Jared Bynum was close, with 9 points and 6 assists. Raynaud (12) and 13 rebounds, Stojakovic (17), Michael Jones (14) and Carlyle (11).

Idaho produced three players with more than 10 points: Linhardt (16), senior guard D’Angelo Minnis (12) and junior guard Quinn Denker (13).

Stanford will next be in action in Southern California Thursday, December 21 at 6 PM PDT, as they take on the San Diego State Aztecs. Idaho also heads south in California on the same date, to take on the University of California – Riverside Highlanders at 5 PM PDT.

49ers route Cardinals 45-29 to clinch NFC West title

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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffery celebrates a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Sunday DEC 17, 2023. (Terrell Lloyd-San Francisco 49ers)

by Marko Ukalovic

No trap game to speak of down in the desert.

The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Arizona Cardinals in a 45-29 convincing victory on Sunday afternoon State Farm Stadium.

San Francisco clinched the NFC West Division for the second consecutive season with its sixth win in a row as they currently sit atop of the conference as the number one seed with three games left in the regular season. Arizona has lost three out of its last four games as they anchor the division.

49ers running back Christian McCaffery showcased his latest argument to be the league’s MVP as he was the focal point of San Francisco’s offense throughout the game. He led all rushers with 115 yards on 18 carries. He also led the 49ers receivers with five receptions on 72 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

McCaffery has 20 total touchdowns, 13 on the ground and seven through the air, through 14 games and is only four touchdowns away from breaking Jerry Rice’s 49er franchise record of 23 he set in 1987.

Arizona (3-11) drew first blood on its seven play 75-yard opening drive led by quarterback Kyler Murray. Running back James Connor finished off the drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown.

San Francisco (11-3) answered back on its opening drive led by quarterback Brock Purdy. The second year QB found a wide open Deebo Samuel along the sidelines for a 12-yard touchdown reception that was just the start of a big day for Purdy.

Chavarius Ward intercepted Murray on the Cardinals next drive and returned it to the house for a 66-yard return for a touchdown as the 49ers defense set the tone for the rest of the day.

Arizona received two field goals from Matt Prater a 58-yarder and a 43-yarder in the second quarter to make it a one point deficit with 6:14 remaining in the second quarter.

It was a nice homecoming for Purdy, who is from an hour outside of Phoenix, as he connected with McCaffery on a five-yard touchdown just before halftime to give the 49ers a 21-13 lead.

San Francisco came out with a quick strike to start the second half. Purdy rolled out to left before finding McCaffery down the field all alone. The All-Pro running back backpedaled as he caught the ball and fell down. He was able to get up and run into the endzone for his seventh receiving touchdown on the season.

McCaffery powered his way in for his 13th rushing touchdown on the season, a one-yarder off tackle with 1:08 remaining in the third quarter that gave the 40ers a commanding 35-16 lead.

Emari Demercado rushed for a 49-yard touchdown on Arizona’s next drive, but the two-point conversion attempt failed.

Samuel scored his second receiving touchdown when Purdy found him with a back shoulder throw along the left sidelines for a 19-yard reception to complete the scoring for San Francisco with 7:09 left in the fourth quarter.

Murray connected with Elijah Higgins for a eight-yard touchdown reception with 47 seconds remaining in the game in a garbage time touchdown.

Purdy finished the game going 16 of 25 for 242 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Samuel had four receptions for 48 yards to go along with his two touchdowns. Tight end George Kittle chipped in with two catches for 54 yards.

Murray went 26 of 39 for 211 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, both by Ward. Connor led Arizona in rushing with 86 yards on 14 carries. Tight end Trey McBride led the Cardinals in receiving with 10 catches for 102 yards.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 4-for-7 on third down conversions. Arizona was 7-for-16.

UP NEXT: San Francisco hosts the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football on Christmas Day 12/25 at 5:20pm at Levi’s Stadium.

San Jose State Lose To Montana 86-75 At Home

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San Jose State Spartans guard Alvaro Cardenas (13) takes a shot against the Montana Grizzlies defense at Provident Credit Union Event Center San Jose on Sun Dec 17, 2023 (San Jose State Spartans photo)

Sunday, December 17th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – The San José State Spartans host Montana on Saturday afternoon inside the Provident Credit Union Event Center. The Spartans have had tremendous success on their home floor early in the season, playing to an undefeated record of 4-0 in San Jose with wins over UC Irvine, Bethesda, North Dakota State and New Orleans.

A first half that started off with Montana getting up early and hitting 60% from the field, led by Annen Moody with 10 points in eight minutes. The Spartans hulked up and got on a comeback hitting six of seven field goals in that comeback.

SJSU took the lead as the half winded down and held that lead all the way to the buzzer signaling halftime. San Jose State went 7-12 from 3 and 15-31 from the field as a team, but the man in the driver seat for the Spartans in the first half was Tibet Gorener, who had 13 points (5-7 FGs). The score at half was 40-37, Spartans up and in front of their home crowd kept the energy positive and high intensity. 

The second half was the story for SJSU earlier in the season, starting strong and ending low. Montana immediately tied with a three to start the half and never looked back. SJSU kept it close the whole half, even holding a lead, but Montana ended up with a 10 point lead with 2:30 left in the game.

The gap was too big to close for the Spartans as Montana won the game 86-75. Moody was the big dog for Montana scoring 21 points and even though MJ Amey Jr. scored 15 points and four assists, Montana just outplayed SJSU in the second half. 

The Spartans are 1-3 this month and have one more game left in December before they start 2024 with a bang. That last game of the month will be in San Jose against Santa Clara on Wednesday, December 20th and the Spartans are looking to get a W to close the year. 

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors get big scoring help from Curry in defeating Nets

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) takes a jump shot in the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Dec 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 How important was it for Golden State (11-14) to end their three game losing streak against the Brooklyn Nets?

#2 Guard Stephen Curry didn’t have a insurmountable amount of points during the three game skid but against the Nets on Saturday night he led with 37.

#3 Curry also had a big fourth quarter scoring 12 three point shots and that gave Golden State enough cushion to defeat the Nets 124-120 to end the skid.

#4 Game have been close and Curry teammate and splash brother Klay Thompson said the he would give him he needs saying it’s still early in the season.

#5 Barbara, the Warriors tip off against the Trailblazers (6-18) tonight at 6:00pm The Trailblazers have won three of their last ten games and are 14th in the Western Conference how do you see this match up tonight.

Join Barbara for the Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Red Sox, Giants, Mets, Padres, Dodgers named as top teams in Yamamoto sweepstakes; Reid and Mahomes fined for criticizing NFL officials; plus more news

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Team Japan pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto seen here throwing in the World Baseball Classic in Mexico Mar 20, 2023 is being sought by five MLB teams which are said to be the two top teams bidding for Yamamoto’s services (AP file photo)

On Headlines Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, a pretty good source former Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers general manager Jim Bowden said that both the San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox seemed to be the two finalists in their bid to get Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Bowden said both clubs are down for the $300 million to get Yamamoto it’s just a matter of who will outbid who for Yamamoto.

#2 The NFL fined Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid $100,000 and quarterback Patrick Mahomes $50,000 for public criticism of the officiating. Mahomes was yelling at the on field officials. Mahomes picked up an unsportsmanship like conduct last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Mahomes said the penalty was “elementary school (stuff)” and Reid said that he and Mahomes normally would get a warning prior to getting penalized and said of Kadarius Toney’s penalty was “a bit embarrassing in the National Football League.”

#3 Former Los Angeles Laker center star Kareem Abdul Jabbar broke his hip when he fell at a concert on Friday. Jabbar 76, said that he was deeply appreciative of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Jabbar’s representative Deborah Morales said they were an  “amazing medical team and doctors at UCLA Hospital who are taking great care of (him).”

#4 Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said this will be his last year in pro football. Bridgewater came into the NFL in 2014 with the Minnesota Vikings he missed 2015 and 2016 with a dislocated ACL and dislocated knee, he played for the Saints, Panthers, Broncos, and Dolphins. Bridgewater said that for three hours he realized he’s just a football player outside of that the injuries put everything in prospective.

#5 Turning to Major League Baseball the Los Angeles Dodgers introduced two way player Shohei Ohtani at a press conference on Friday at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani was fitted with a a Dodger cap and jersey while meeting the press and will be the designated hitter for the 2024 season. Ohtani didn’t answer questions about having Tommy John surgery he will not pitch this season.

#6 The San Francisco Giants big signing came when Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee signed a six year $113 million deal. Lee is expected to add if not be the biggest name in the line up for the 2024 season. Lee hit .318 with six home runs in 86 games last season. Lee’s season ended in July when he needed left ankle surgery in spite of it all MLB clubs came calling and it was the Giants that Lee signed with.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Murray’s 47 & franchise record 12 3s was string music for the Kings,while Jazz was out of Tune,126-104

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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) scores over the Utah Jazz guard Ochai Agbaji in the second half at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sat Dec 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings (15-9) performed Royal Music in the California State capital, by defeating the Utah Jazz (9-17) Saturday Night 126-104, without their sly Fox.

Sacramento entered the game without the best player, De’Aaron Fox. He was out with a right shoulder injury from their previous game versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Keegan Murray more than made up the slack of his absence.

Kings’ center Damontasa Sabonis went on a personal 4-0 run to start off the contest. That initial lead lasted the remaining 37 minutes of regulation.. The home team sat comfortably on their throne the whole evening.

Sabonis ended the first 12 minutes with 10 points and four rebounds. After one, the Kings had a 12-point lead, 35-23. Collin Sexton and Simone Fontecchio both tallied 7 points for the visitors.

Quarter number two, the aforementioned Murray started to heat up immensely from beyond the arc. He added three more to the two he hit in the first quarter, and scored 13 points during the second 12 minutes.

By intermission, Murray had 19 points and shot a sizzling 5-6 from 3=point land. Sabonis chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds, while Harrison Barnes gave the team 12 points. The Kings had the same advantage (12) as they did after onew, because both teams scored 27 points in the second period. 62-50, Kings at recess.

In the third quarter, Murray was En Fuego! He hit a franchise record 7 threes in the stanza, breaking the previous record (6) shared by two players. His 26 points during the third 12 eclipsed Mitch Richmond’s record (25).

During the 36 minutes of gameplay Murray made an NBA record 11 consecutive 3s, shot 15-19 & 12-13 from three and had 45 points. The team outscored the Jazz by 18, and took their largest lead of 30, 106-76 at the 3/4 mark of the game.

The fourth quarter was just a formality, as the Kings essentially led from wire to wire after Sabonas scored the first two points of the game. The only drama was would Murray get 50?

Keegan ended up 1-4 from the field and 0-2 from behind the 3-point line in the final segment, finishing with a career-high 47 points. There was a bit of controversy when Coach Mike Brown pulled him from the game, to the dismay of the packed Golden1 Center.

When I queried them both about that moment, they both were ok with the decision. Coach Brown said that he gave him a chance to get 50, but he missed both three attempts. Murray was content with his career high and multiple records.

At the final horn/whistle, the Kings win their second in a row and crown the Jazz by 21, 125-104.

The Kings are next in action on Monday, December 18, as they host the Washington Wizards at 7 PM PST. The Jazz head back to Salt Lake City on the same date to host the Brooklyn Nets at 6 PM MST

Cal drops Independence Bowl to end final season in Pac-12

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Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) is hit for a fumble by the Texas Tech Red Raiders lineman Amier Washington (96) at Independence Stadium in Shreveport LA, on Sat Dec 16, 2023 (AP News photo)

Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023

Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana

California Golden Bears 14 (6-7)

Texas Tech Red Raiders 34 (7-6)

By Stephen Ruderman

Cal dropped the Independence Bowl to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, 34-14, in what was most likely their final game as a member of the Pac-12.

This was Cal’s first bowl game since 2019, as the team went 6-6 and finished in seventh place in the Pac-12 during the regular season to earn a spot in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana. Texas Tech went 6-6, and finished in seventh in the Big 12 Conference, and earned their third-straight trip to a bowl game.

Michael Luckhurst made the opening kick for the Bears, but it was fumbled by Drae McCray, and recovered by Luckhurst on the Texas Tech 25-Yard Line to put the Bears in perfect position to start the game. Then, on the very first play after the opening kick, Bears’ quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, threw a complete pass to wide-receiver, Monroe Young, who ran it 25 yards for a touchdown. After the extra point, Cal led 7-0.

Texas Tech scored a touchdown on a pass from Behren Morton to Coy Eakin, and tied it on the extra point with 4:19 remaining in the first quarter. The Bears responded with a drive of their own. With exactly three minutes remaining, Mendoza threw a 51-yard pass to get to the Texas Tech three Yard Line, and then on the next play, Mendoza handed the ball off to Jaydn Ott, who ran it in to put the Bears back ahead.

Cal led 14-7 at the end of the first quarter, but the Red Raiders scored 17 points in the second quarter, as Morton threw a pair of touchdown passes, and Gino Garcia kicked a field goal from 25 yards with just seven seconds remaining. That put Texas Tech up 24-14 going into the half, and they did not look back.

The Red Raiders scored a touchdown in the third quarter, and kicked a field goal in the fourth to put the game away.

With the loss, Cal finishes their final season in the Pac-12 at 6-7, and now they will shift to the Atlantic Coast Conference, as the focus will turn to the 2024 Season.

Santa Cruz Warriors podcast with Anthony Wang, Michael Wang and Gary Teh: Warriors get the overtime edge on Kings in G League win 121-112

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The Santa Cruz Warriors Jackson Rowe (43) holds onto the basketball against the Stockton Kings at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz on Sat Dec 16, 2023 (Santa Cruz Warriors photo)

On the SC Warriors podcast with Anthony Wang, Michael Wang and Gary Teh:

#1 In contrasting games a close one Saturday night at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Cruz between the Stockton Kings and Santa Cruz Warriors. The Warriors who crushed the South Bay Lakers back on Thursday by 18 saw a tough opponent tonight in the Kings who opened it up with 17 points.

#2 At the end of the first half the Warriors closed the gap down by nine points but were getting some offense from Lester Quinones who scored eight and Kendric Davis with seven points.

#3 The Warriors Donavon Williams who led in their last game last Thursday with 29 points was defended well by the Kings and held to just four points in the first half. It was Usman Garuba and Quinones who came out scoring in the second half.

#4 The Warriors trailed for most of the game got back in it with just over six minutes to play in the game and held a two point lead. They were getting offensive help from Donavan, Quinones and Davis.

#5 Michael, Anthony, and Gary, this game was forced into overtime and the Warriors got some great shot selections and came away with the 121-112 overtime and there was a lot of fighting spirit in this one.

#6 One more note this was Christmas ornament night at Kaiser Permanente where the first 1,000 fans came away with ornaments and fans were more than happy coming away from a thriller like this in Santa Cruz.

Michael Wang, Gary Teh and Anthony Wang covered the Santa Cruz Warriors and Stockton Kings contest at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz on Sat Dec 16, 2023

Barracuda shoot down Wranglers 5-2 sweep series

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The San Jose Barracuda celebrate Nathan Todd (#45)’s goal in third period against the Calgary Wranglers at Tech CU Arena on Saturday DEC 16, 2023. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — On a night where giving was the theme of the night, the San Jose Barracuda gave their biggest crowd of the season something to celebrate.

San Jose scored twice on the power play in route to a 5-2 victory over the Calgary Wranglers at Tech CU Arena on Saturday evening.

San Jose swept the two-game series with its third win a row as they won back-to-back games for the first time this season. Calgary has lost three games in a row.

Calgary (16-6-2-0) drew first blood at the halfway mark of the first period with a power play goal. Emilio Pettersen set up Brady Lyle up at the point and Wranglers defenseman blast a one-timer past ‘Cuda goalie Magnus Chrona for his fifth goal of the season at the 10:39 mark.

San Jose (8-11-4-0) even the score less than two minutes later. A shot from the left point by Nikolai Knyyzhov was redirected into the back of the net past by Wranglers goalie Connor Murphy by Ethan Cardwell for his seventh goal of the season 12:29 mark.

Cardwell’s goal sent the Tech CU Arena crowd into a throwing frenzy as it was the annual ‘Cuda Teddy Bear Toss Night where 3,126 fans throw stuffed animals from the stands for charity after the home team scores its first goal of the contest. San Jose dressed for the occasion as the donned their festival holiday “ugly sweater” jerseys during the weekend series.

San Jose gained its first lead with a 5-on-3 power play late in the opening frame. Thomas Bordeleau set up Danil Gushchin along the right slot and Gushchin lasered in a one-timer past Murphy for his team-leading eighth goal of the season at the 17:32 mark. Leon Gawanke received the secondary assist on the play.

The ‘Cuda survived a shaky start to the second period. They began the period already short-handed. Then 24 seconds in, they went down 5-on-3 when Cole Cassels went into the sinbin for holding. Their parade to the penalty box continued when Tanner Kaspick and Scott Sabourin took separate high sticking penalties 47 second apart in the first two minutes of the middle frame.

San Jose’s penalty kill led by Chrona kept Calgary from getting the equalizer during their extended 5-on-3 opportunities and eventually killed all of them to get back to equal strength.

Scott Sabourin stopped the power play infertility of the second period when he redirected a point shot from Shakir Mukhamadullin for his third goal of the season at the 14:52 mark. It was San Jose’s second power play goal of the game.

Calgary made it a one-goal game near the halfway mark of the third period. Matt Coronato came in alone on a breakaway, but his shot was initially saved by Chrona. However, on a delayed penalty call, Ben Jones cleaned up the rebound for his eighth goal of the season at the 8:39 mark.

The Barracuda scored an insurance goal with an even strength goal at the 12:36 mark. Radim Simek led a two-on-one odd man rush along with Nathan Todd. Simek set up Todd with a pass down the middle of the ice and Todd beat Murphy top-shelf with a wrist shot for his sixth goal of the season. Todd extended his point streak to seven games.

Cassels completed the scoring with an empty net goal, he was dragged down by a Wranglers defender on a breakaway attempt, his second of the season with 21 seconds remaining.

Chrona (2-6-2) finished the game stopping 27 of the 29 shots he faced to earn just his second victory of the season as he snapped a four-game losing streak. Murphy (0-1-0), who made his first start of the season for Calgary, made 17 saves on 21 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 2-for-9 on the power play. Calgary was 0-for-8.

Cassels’ goal broke a 19-game goal-less draught.

San Jose were 0-6 in back-to-back games after winning the first one before tonight’s win.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Todd 2) Sabourin 3) Gushchin.

UP NEXT: San Jose concludes its three-game homestand against the Tucson Roadrunners on Wednesday 12/20 at 7:00pm at Tech CU Arena.