Category: San Jose Barracuda

Stars edge Barracuda 5-3, even series 1-1

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

By Marko Ukalovic

The Texas Stars evened its three-game series with a 5-3 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Saturday evening at HEB Center At Cedar Park.

Texas scored the eventual game-winning goal when Cole Schneider fired a one-timer that deflected off the pad of ‘Cuda goalie Sam Harvey at the 7:44 mark of the third period. Josh Melnick, who set up the Stars captain, received the primary assist.

Texas (3-2-0) drew first blood in a wild first period that featured five goals. Colin Markison sent a pass over to Joseph Cecconi up at the right half wall. Cecconi sent a wrist shot that beat ‘Cuda goalie Sam Harvey on the short side for his first goal of the season at the 5:42 mark.

San Jose (1-2-1) scored the equalizer just over two minutes later. Anti Suomela fed a pass up to Jake McGrew to start an odd-man rush for the ‘Cuda. McGrew skated in from the right side and fired a wrist shot top-shelf past Stars goalie Tomas Sholl for his first career AHL goal at the 7:48 mark.

Ben Gleason gave the Stars back the lead with his first goal of the season at the 15:21 mark when a pass from Nikita Scherbak glanced off Gleason’s skate that Harvey had no chance at.

The Barracuda answered back immediately just 29 seconds later when Brinson Pasichnuk sent a pass into the middle of the faceoff circles where Joachim Blichfeld collected the puck, turned around and lasered a wrist shot past Sholl for his second goal of the season.

The Stars once again had a one goal lead after a turnover by Chaz Reddekopp led to Riley Damiani sending a cross ice pass to Anthony Louis who blasted a one-timer past Harvey his second goal at the 19:21 mark of the opening frame.

San Jose came back with the equalizer early in the middle frame when Ryan Merkley found Blichfeld and he backhanded the puck past Sholl for his second goal of the evening at the 5:10 mark.

It was Blichfeld’s third multi-point game in the four games played.

Despite outshooting the Stars 13-7 in the third period, the ‘Cuda weren’t able to score the equalizer for a fourth time.

Thomas Harley scored an empty-netter, his first goal of this AHL career, with 22 seconds left to ice the game for Texas.

Sholl made 26 saves on 29 shots to earn the victory. Harvey made 30 saves on 34 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose was 0-for-2 on the power play. Texas was 0-for-3.

UP NEXT: The Barracuda finish off its three-game series with the Stars on Tuesday 2/16 at 5:00 pm at HEB Center at Cedar Park.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Cuda and Stars face off for game two tonight in Texas

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Game one post game stats from Fri Feb 12, 2021 results between the San Jose Barracuda and Texas Stars at H-E-B Center (image from sjbarracuda.com)

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 Marko how important is it to start a three game series on the road against the the Texas Stars with a 5-2 win?

#2 The Barracuda got five goals from five different skaters with Ozzy Wiesblatt and Kyle Topping each scoring their first AHL goals.

#3 The Barracuda had Sam Harvey in net who allowed two Texas goals and stopped 29 shots in his first win of his pro career.

#4 Wiesblatt’s goal was the fifth Barracuda goal of the night and his first in his pro career how important is that to start the first road trip of the season and getting your first career goal on the same night?

#5 The Barracuda and Stars tangle again on Saturday night at H-E-B Center for the second game in a row between both these teams tonight for a 5:00pm face off.  Barracuda head coach Roy Sommer started Harvey in goal tonight.

Join Marko each Saturday night for the SJ Barracuda podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic Sat Feb 13, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

Barracuda shoot down Stars with first win of the season 5-2

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The San Jose Barracuda got some relief picking up their first win of the 2021 AHL season with a win over the Texas Stars at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park on Fri Feb 12, 2021 (sjbarracuda.com photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

CEDAR PARK, Texas—The San Jose Barracuda jumped out to a 2-0 lead and then put the game way with two goals in the third period to beat the Texas Stars 5-2 on Friday evening at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

San Jose picked up its first win of the season with five different goal scorers in a balanced offensive attack. Texas

Jake McGrew centered a pass from behind the net to a crashing Kyle Topping who quickly snapped a wrist shot top-shelf into the left corner of the net beating Stars goalie Colton Point for his first goal of the season at the 12:48 mark. Nick DeSimone received the secondary assist.

San Jose (1-1-1) doubled its lead at the 13:30 mark when Joel Kellman’s shot was blocked out in front of the crease. Jeffery Viel, who was camped out in front, found the loose puck and beat Point with a wrist shot falling down for his first goal of the season. Joachim Blichfeld received the secondary assist.

Texas (2-2-0) cut the lead in half with just five seconds left in the first period. Adam Mascherin scored his first goal of the season as he beat ‘Cuda goalie Sam Harvey with a wrist shot. Riley Damiani and Cole Schneider were credited with assists.

The Stars scored the equalizer on the power play early in the second period. Schneider scored his first goal of the season at the 2:01 mark. Nikita Scherbak and Thomas Harley assisted on the goal.

San Jose regained the lead with a power play goal of their own at the 12:31 mark of the middle frame. Jayden Halbgewachs scored his first goal of the season. Antti Suomela and Alex True were credited with assists.

The Barracuda received an insurance goal in the third period when Robbie Russo fired a slap shot from the right point past Point for his first goal of the season at the 8:16 mark. Kellman and Blichfeld recorded assists on the fifth year pro’s goal.

Ozzie Wiseblatt, the 31st pick in last year’s NHL draft by the Sharks, put the icing on the cake for the ‘Cuda late in the final frame. True sent a cross ice pass over Wiseblatt, who was setup all alone on the left side of the net, and buried a one-timer past Point for his first professional goal at the 15:21 mark.

Harvey, in his AHL debut, made 29 saves on 31 shots to earn his first win of his AHL career. Point stopped 27 of the 32 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose was 1-for-3 on the power play. Texas was 1-for-4.

Chaz Reddekopp, who made his AHL debut, delivered a huge hit on Mascherin in the third period that resulted in a charging penalty.

The Three Stars of the night were: 1) Harvey 2) Kellman 3) Schneider

UP NEXT: San Jose and Texas battle it again on Saturday 2/13 at 5:00pm at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park

Roadrunners take down Barracuda 5-3, sweep two game series in Tucson

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San Jose Barracuda didn’t have much luck in Tucson losing both games on the road trip. The Barracuda lost the second game on Mon Feb 8, 2021 at the Tucson Convention Center (sjbarracuda.com image)

by Marko Ukalovic

TUCSON, Ariz—The Tucson Roadrunners scored two goals in the second period en route to a 5-3 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Monday evening at Tucson Convention Center Arena.

San Jose received its first regulation loss after losing in overtime to Tucson the day before and earned one point in the two game series.

The Barracuda (0-1-1) broke the seal late in the first period when John Leonard set up Joachim Blichfeld who rifled home a wrist shot past Roadrunners goaltender Ivan Prosvetov for a 1-0 lead. Blichfeld’s first goal of the season came at the 14:14 mark.

Tucson (2-0-0) came back with the equalizer just under 90 seconds later when some hesitation by ‘Cuda goalie Alexei Melnichulk to play the puck near the trapezoid cost his team. Michael Carcone ended up with the puck and centered a pass out to Jan Jenik who tapped home the puck into an empty net at the 15:19 mark.

A San Jose turnover led to the first lead for Tucson. Kevin Roy raced down the left side and fired a puck on net that Melnichuk stopped but Lane Pederson came crashing in and cleaned up the rebound for his first goal of the season at the 16:44 mark.

Alxander True scored the first of his two goals late in the opening frame. A shot from the point by Brinson Pasichnuk was redirected past Prosvetov by True at the 16:57 mark.

The Roadrunners didn’t waste anytime regaining the lead in the second period. Jenik led and two-on-one break and found Carcone, who snapped home a wrist shot for his first goal of the season at the 1:43 mark.

Tucson gained a two-goal advantage late in the middle frame when they scored its first power play goal of the season at the 17:33 mark. Michael Bunting tipped home a point shot from Pederson.

San Jose cut the lead to a one-goal game with a power play goal of its own. Anti Suomela centered a backhand pass in front of the crease were True was camped out in front of and tipped home the puck past Provetov for his second goal of the evening at the 4:24 mark of the third period.

The Roadrunners closed out the scoring with an insurance goal from Roy. Bunting centered a pass from behind the net and Roy wristed a one-timer past Melnichuk for his first goal of the season at the 17:16 mark.

Prosvetov (2-0) finished with 33 saves on 36 shots to earn the victory. Melnichuk stopped 28 of the 33 shots he faced in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose was 1-for-4 on the power play. Tucson was 1-for-5.

Barracuda forward Zach Gallant made his AHL debut.

Pederson finished with a three-point night (1G,2A).

San Jose Barracuda game wrap: Barracuda lose a tough one in overtime opener

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The score on the image show the San Jose Barracuda lost by a goal on Sunday night at the Tucson Convention Center to the Tucson Roadrunners 2-1 in the season opener (sjbarracuda.com image)

By Marko Ukalovic

The San Jose Barracuda lost their season opener to the Tucson Roadrunners at the Tucson Convention Center on Sunday 2-1 in overtime. The Barracuda’s John Leonard scored San Jose’s only goal of the day an unassisted goal at 6:24 in the third period.

Barracuda goaltender Alexi Melnichuk stopped 23 shots. For Melnichuk a tough effort stopping every shot except one and the Barracuda finished the game on a power kill going three on three.

Tucson’s Cam Dineen scored the game winner in overtime at 1:17. For the Barracuda they had not played a regular season game in 334 days dating back on March 10, 2020. The Barracuda had eight players who made their AHL debuts which included San Jose Sharks draftees Ozzy Wiesblatt and Tristen Robbins.

The Barracuda and Roadrunners match up again for game two of the series Monday night at 7:00pm. The Barracuda will serve as the home team in Tucson.

 

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda finally open up in San Jose; Can Cuda withstand 3 players leaving for Sharks

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The Tucson Barracuda and San Jose Barracuda who canceled their pre season game on Friday will face off in San Jose SAP Center on Sun Feb 7, 2021 for the Barracuda’s first home opener (sjbarracuda.com photo)

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 The San Jose Sharks the San Jose Barracuda parent club has recalled three Barracuda players, first forwards to come up to the Sharks Rudolf Balcers, Maxim Letunov, and defenceman Fredrik Claesson on Thursday.  Will their departure put a hole in the Barracuda line up?

#2 The Barracuda schedule has been switched around the Barracuda were supposed to play their last pre season game on Fri Feb 5th against the Tucson Roadrunners at SAP Center but that game was postponed. The next game Sat 6th was moved to Sun Feb 7th for an 11am face off and will be the home opener and Mon 8th will conclude the brief two game series with Tucson for a 6:00pm face off.

#3 The Barracuda stated that these changes were made out of an abundance of caution due to a player coming up positive for Covid-19 last Sat Jan 30th in Las Vegas against the Henderson Silver Knights. In the third period officials were notified of the positive test and stopped the game and had both teams return to the dressing rooms and the game was postponed per AHL Covid-19 protocols.

#4 The Barracuda (2-3) lost their last game 7-3 to the Silver Knights in Las Vegas Fri Jan 29th at the Orleans Arena. One thing the Barracuda had time to work on during these days of postponed games was trying to work on avoiding the five goal second period they had endured in that last game.

#5 Long rest ready to get back to work, the Barracuda had Friday off and will have their home opener Sunday this morning for their first home opener. For the Barracuda they have to be happy to be back in San Jose.

Join Marko for Barracuda podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic Sat Feb 6, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

 

Barracuda-Silver Knights game cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

By Marko Ukalovic

The second game of the two game series between the San Jose Barracuda and the Henderson Golden Nights was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols during the second intermission on Saturday evening at Orleans Arena.

As reported by San Jose Mercury News reporter Curtis Pashelka, both teams came out of their locker rooms for the start of the third period, but were soon sent back. The Barracuda were scheduled to stay overnight in Las Vegas.

The Silver Knights announced the cancellation was not because of a positive COVID test result from a Henderson player or staff member.

On Friday, the NHL announced it was postponing the San Jose Sharks-Vegas Golden Knights games in Glendale, Ariz. on Monday and Wednesday because four members of the Golden Knights, including three coaches, were being isolated in collection with the league’s COVID protocols. Vegas defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is among the list of NHL players who are unavailable to play or practice.

The Golden Knights’ practice facility has also been closed until further notice.

A spokesman for the Sharks, the Barracuda’s parent club, said the team would not make any additional comment Saturday.

UP NEXT: The Barracuda conclude its pre-season schedule traveling to Tucson to take on the Roadrunners on Monday, February 1 at 4:00 pm PT at Tucson Convention Center Arena.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda look to shut off Knights scoring in tonight’s game in Vegas

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Orleans Arena in Las Vegas site of tonight’s San Jose Barracuda and Henderson Silver Knights second game (@JesseGranger photo) Jesse Granger is a staff writer for the Athletic and covers the Knights

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 The Henderson Silver Knights wasted no time scoring five goals in the second period and the Barracuda were whipped 7-3 at Orleans Arena in Vegas for game one of this two game series.

#2 Barracuda head coach Roy Sommer had to be concerned in that second period about shutting the Silver Knights offense but they found they’re way to the net with no problem.

#3 Sommer had to be concerned about goaltender  Zachary Sawchenko who stopped 25 shots but allowed six goals. Was this a game where Sawchenko was just off or he just wasn’t getting enough protection up front?

#4 Marko the other concern that the Barracuda had was the Silver Knights took just 11 shots to convert the six goals in that short of time the defense had to try and reconfigure the Knights offense.

#5 It’s another try again tonight for the Barracuda who face off at 7:oopm at Orleans. In pre season coach Sommer has the opportunity to take a look at a lot of talent how do you see tonight’s match up?

#6 In other AHL news Marko, the Stockton Heat will now play all of it’s home games in Calgary since they are the Flames minor league affiliate and the Heat want to avoid all Covid-19 border crossing protocols.

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

Silver Knights dominate Barracuda in 7-3 victory

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One of the few shots that the San Jose Barracuda threw at the Henderson Silver Knights net as the Barracuda lost by four goals at the Orleans Arena in Paradise NV on Fri Jan 29, 2021. It was the first of two games between the two teams. (@barracuda photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

PARADISE, NV—The Henderson Silver Knights scored five goals in the second period en route to a 7-3 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Friday evening at Orleans Arena.

It was the first pre-season game for the AHL team of the Vegas Golden Nights.

Both teams traded goals in the first period and were tied 1-1 at the end of the opening 20 minutes. Reid Duke scored the first ever franchise goal for the Silver Knights.

San Jose got into penalty trouble in the second period that opened the floodgates for Henderson. Five straight goals by Dylan Sikura, Ben Jones, Zach Hayes, Lucas Elvenes and Danny O’Regan put the game away for the Silver Knights.

The Barracuda scored twice in the third period to cut the lead in half but would get no closer than that. Henderson completed the scoring with a goal at the 19:50 mark to seal the deal.

UP NEXT: The same two teams go right back at it on Saturday 1/30 at 5:00pm at Orleans Arena.

DeSimone’s late heroics lift Barracuda to 4-3 victory over Roadrunners

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

By Marko Ukalovic

TUCSON, Ariz. — Nick DeSimone scored the game-winning goal with 24 seconds left in the third period as the San Jose Barracuda rallied back from a two-goal deficit to beat the Tucson Roadrunners 4-3 on Wednesday afternoon at Tucson Convention Center Arena.

In the first period, Kevin Hancock opened up the scoring at 6:17 mark as Ryan McGregor and former Bakersfield Condor’ Cameron Hebig picked up the assists. Less than a minute later, Blake Speers doubled Tucson’s lead to 2-0.

The Barracuda were outshot 13-to-12 in the opening 20 minutes.

In the middle frame, sophomore forward Joachim Blichfeld found paydirt at 11:28, cutting Tucson’s lead in half.

The Barracuda outshot Tucson 15-7 in the second for a two period total of 27-20.

In the third period, rookie forward Brandon Coe would even the score with his first professional goal at 3:53 as Karlis Cukste picked up the only assist. Blichfeld scored his second of the game at 15:02, netting his team-leading third goal of the preseason, giving the Barracuda a 3-2 lead.

With 1:24 left to go, Lane Pederson leveled the score at 3-3 on the power-play. But exactly one minute later, DeSimone’s late goal magic gave the Barracuda its lead back, and the eventual 4-3 win.

Josef Korenar (1-1-0-1) made 22 saves on 25 shots to collect his first victory of exhibition play. Ivan Prosvetov suffered the loss, allowing four goals on 36 shots.

UP NEXT: The Barracuda are back in action on Friday, 1/29 in Las Vegas, as they square off with the newest member of the AHL, the Henderson Silver Knights, at 7 pm PT.