Cal Bears center Milos llic (8) takes the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Logan Imes (2) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Fri Jan 2, 2026 (Cal Bears X photo)
Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva:
#1 Dai Dai Ames had a strong offensive season coming in — how would you assess his impact Friday night both in scoring and tempo for Cal he finished with 23 points.
#2 Justin Pippen has been one of the team’s key playmakers — what adjustments did Notre Dame make to limit his effectiveness and how did he respond, Pippen finished with 14 points.
#3 John Camden was one of Cal’s most efficient shooters — what did you think about his shot selection and contribution on both ends tonight?
#4 Lee Dort with four points and 11 rebounds brings rebounding and interior presence — how critical was his work on the boards, and do you feel it set the tone defensively late in the game?
#5 Looking at role players like Semetri Carr with six points, how important was the bench production Friday night, and what can that depth mean moving forward in ACC play?
California Golden Bear forward Chris Bell #22 shoots a contested mid-range shot over Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Braeden Shrewsberry #11 on Friday night at the Haas Pavilion. (Photo Credit to Michael Villanueva)
By Michael Villanueva
BERKELEY – On Friday night, January 2, 2026, the California Golden Bears defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 72-71 at Haas Pavilion in their final exciting 8-game homestand. Cal’s victory was their first in the ACC and second of the season.
Cal was coming off its first loss at Haas Pavilion, 90-70 to No. 16/13 Louisville on December 30 in both teams’ Atlantic Coast Conference openers. The Cardinals’ strong shooting proved to be the difference, with five players scoring in double figures. Cal had four players in double figures, led by Chris Bell’s 20-point performance.
Cal’s second ACC home game of the 2025-26 season took place Thursday night, capping off an eight-game homestand. The Bears’ first test of the new year came against a 10-4 Notre Dame.
The visiting Fighting Irish started the game with Jalen Haralson, Logan Imes, Braeden Shrewsberry, Carson Towt, and Garrett Sundra. The five set the tone early on, led by Haralson, who started the game on pace. He started the game 4-for-4 from the floor, including two corner three-pointers, which provided Notre Dame with a quick offensive push.
Cal’s starting lineup included John Camden, Dai Dai Ames, Lee Dort, Justin Pippen, and Chris Bell. Camden, who had already made 40 three-pointers for the Bears this season and had made at least one in every game, got off to a slow start, going 0-for-3 on field goals and three-pointers.
The first half was all Notre Dame, with the Fighting Irish coming out of Cal’s house strong, fast, and disciplined. They hit 58% from the field and 57% from three-point range in the first ten minutes, putting early stress on the Golden Bears. Cal struggled to find a rhythm, connecting on only 23% of their total shots and 13% from deep.
The game was physical on both sides, as both teams were eager to begin the year with a dub. The Golden Bears attempted nine free throws in the first half and made six, while Notre Dame was only 2-of-8 at the line. Despite the poor shooting and early setbacks, Cal was determined to get back on track. The Bears trailed 31-27 at halftime, keeping the game within reach for the second half.
The Bears played much better in the second half, with an intensity of awareness and focus that allowed them to play smarter, more precise basketball. Cal made four of their first five shots in the first six minutes, taking advantage on a three-minute scoring drought by Notre Dame. Justin Pippen was the driving force in raising his point count from six to fourteen while boosting the Bears’ offense.
Overall, Cal’s shooting improved, especially from deep. With seven minutes remaining, the Bears led by seven points, their largest lead of the night. However, the Fighting Irish remained fighting, shooting reliably and making tough shots when needed. Notre Dame had cut its lead to one with four minutes left in the game.
The Bears then went cold, making only one of ten field goals the rest of the way, giving the Irish the lead again. With two minutes remaining, Notre Dame’s Cole Serta made a critical three-pointer, giving the Irish the lead. Then, with only nine seconds remaining and the Bears down 71-68, Dai Dai Ames scored a three-pointer and was fouled, completing a four-point play that gave Cal a 72-71 lead with 2.6 seconds left. The Golden Bears won the game by holding on defensively in the final seconds.
Ames led Cal with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, 1 rebound, and 3 assists, while Chris Bell had 15 points and 5 rebounds. The win gave the Bears their first ACC conference victory and improved their overall record to 13-2 into the new year.
Cal will return to play on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, when they face the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA, tipping off at 6 p.m., ready for another tough conference game.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives past Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) SOURCE: Rick Scuteri
By Barbara Mason
The Sacramento Kings (8-27) played a nice opening quarter in their contest against the Phoenix Suns (20-14) only to falter in the second half. They were trailing at the half 62-56, bested by Phoenix in the end 129-102. Keegan Murray had his best game since returning to action finishing the game with 23 points and ten rebounds for a double double.
They stumbled in the second half of play as the Suns continued to extend their lead. As the fourth quarter wore on Phoenix had established as much as a 28 point lead. Devin Booker was red-hot finishing with 33 points. The Kings had 21 turnovers in the game, the Suns only 11.
Game recap: After a couple of quiet games upon his return, Murray got after it in the first quarter of Friday night’s game. As the quarter wore down Murray had already hit 11 points and had two rebounds. Despite the nice start for Murray Sacramento trailed after the first 12 minutes of play 32-29. Russell Westbrook and bench player Keon Ellis both came away empty in the opening quarter.
The Kings Nique Clifford hit a three to start the second quarter to tie up the game at 32. Minutes later the tie persisted now at 35 when Sacramento’s Doug McDermott made a 23-foot three point jumper. It was a nice start for the Kings.
Ellis would follow that shot with a three of this own giving the Kings a 38-35 lead. The Kings had already committed ten turnovers and needed to put the stops on that trend. They were only shooting around 55 % from the line so room for improvement on those two fronts.
As the game went into halftime, the Suns had taken a 62-56 lead. Murray finished the first half with 16 points and five rebounds. Poor ball protection had plagued the Kings throughout the first half with 13 turnovers. Booker finished the quarter with 27 points and Sacramento would be looking to try and contain him in the second half.
The Suns got going in earnest leading after three quarters 97-83. Murray added to his total shooting for 23 points and eight rebounds. Booker was on fire with 33 points through three quarters. The Suns hung onto a healthy 15-point lead throughout the quarter and the Kings had their hands full going into the fourth quarter.
After hanging in the game through the first half, the Kings ran out of steam trailing by as much as 28 points through the fourth quarter. The final was 129-102 in favor of Phoenix and the Kings had lost their sixth straight road game.
Murray had the team high for the Kings with 23 points and 10 rebounds for a double double. Westbrook finished with 17 points and 9 rebounds and DeMar DeRozan scored 13 points in the game. It was a quiet night for Maxime Raynaud finishing with six points and five rebounds.
Booker tore up the court finishing with 33 points and he had a lot of help from teammates Dillon Brooks with 18 points and both Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams each had 15 points. Williams also turned in nine rebounds just shy of a double double.
Game notes: Not much has gone right for the Kings since their win over the Dallas Mavericks last Saturday 113-107. Since that win the team has fallen to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, Thursday night to the Boston Celtics and they extended the loss streak to four with a loss to the Suns on Friday night.
Friday night they faced another tough match-up losing to the Suns. The Kings continue to struggle on the court defensively, much of their problems stemming from injury to Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis but have welcomed Keegan Murray back on court after a calf strain.
Murray was back on the court for the Clipper match-up but did little in his return only hitting 11 points and 2 rebounds. The loss to the Clippers was a wipe-out losing 131-90 followed by the loss to the Celtics 120-106.
The Kings played a close game through three quarters with Boston but fell apart in the fourth quarter outscored 32-18. There seems to be no end to the stretch that Sacramento is going through right now. The team is playing on a five game road skid and Friday night faced the seventh place in the Western Conference Suns, they took a sixth road loss.
They have beaten some elite teams in the second half of the season but right now they are fighting off falling into the basement, a half-game lead on the New Orleans Pelicans. The Kings more so then probably any other team need to make some moves with some very accomplished players on the line like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk.
Unfortunately all of these guys have sizeable contracts which discourages any teams that might have interest. It’s a really tough situation with no clear-cut answers.
Sunday evening the Kings will match-up with the Milwaukee Bucks at Golden 1 Center. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 6:00 PM.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Louisville Cardinals guard Ryan Conwell (3) dribbles against Stanford Cardinal guard Benny Gealer (5) during the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images | Justine Willard-Imagn Images
By Michael Roberson
STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (12-3, 1-1 ACC) garnered their first conference win, after an 80-76 victory over the Louisville Cardinals (11-3, 1-1 ACC) in a pleasant atmosphere on the Farm.
Stanford started the game off with a 4-0 run. Louisville followed that with a 5-0 run of their own. The Cardinal equaled that amount on their second points burst.. They were in the lead for 16:23 of the first 20 minutes of the game and half, while the Cardinals were on top for 1:48, while they were tied twice for 1:49.
The Cardinal shot a whole lot better in the first half, compared to their previous conference game. They managed to shoot 46% from both the field and beyond the arc. Although they shot a mediocre 56% from the charity stripe. Stanford’s defense forced Louisville into an abysmal 38% from 2, and 19% from 3. Their 78% from the free throw line helped keep them close at recess.
Another different scenario for the Cardinal was from their leading scorer Ebuke Okorie, The freshman sensation had a total of two points at the half in the previous game. In his second conference game, he garnered 14 points in the initial 20-minute half. That doubled his total amount in the other game.
After all of that action, Stanford was ahead by one at halftime, 35-34. Stanford had one player in double-figures, and that was the aforementioned Okorie (14). Louisville’s Sananda Fru was close, with 9 points and 5 rebounds at the midway point of the competitive game.
The second half had an immediate lead change, as Louisville entered the second half down one, but went up two on a 3-point shot by senior guard Isaac McKneely, 16 seconds into the second stanza. That would be the fifth of 18 lead changes in the back and forth conference clash.
Both teams shot better in the second half, and made significant runs to race in front of each other. Although there were nearly 20 lead changes, Stanford held the advantage for more than three times as many minutes of gameplay.
The game was a “nail-biter” in the final minutes, as it could have gone either way. However, the Cardinal made the correct plays and converted the free throws to seal the deal at the end of 40 regulation minutes of action. Stanford prevailed, and won the game by four, 80-76.
Two Cardinal teammates joined Okorie (28) in double-digit scoring. Chisom Okpara tallied 17 points and 8 rebounds and Ryan Agarwal contributed 12 points to the team’s total.
Four Louisville hoopers reached that plateau for the visitors from the Blue Grass State. Ryan Conwell led them with 18 points and7 rebounds, Isaac McKneely (17) Sananda Fru chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds, and J’Vonne Hadley offered 14 points and 7 rebounds.
The Cardinal will next be in action Wednesday, January 7, as they travel across the Continental US to Blacksburg to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies at 4 PM PT local time on the ACC NETWORK. The Cardinals head back to Kentucky Tuesday, January 6, to host the Duke Blue Devils at 7 PM ET on ESPN.
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:
Max Jones
Matt Tomkins
Seth Griffith
The Barracuda will be back in action Saturday night against this same Bakersfield Condors team.
Macklin Celebrini center (71) for the San Jose Sharks skates off the ice after scoring a shootout goal against the Minnesota Wild at SAP Center on Thu Jan 1, 2026 (AP News photo)
San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez:
Can Macklin Celebrini continue his recent high-octane offense and challenge Tampa Bay’s defense right from the opening puck drop? (The young Sharks star leads the team in scoring and has been a standout all season.)
How will Tyler Toffoli’s scoring touch impact the Sharks in Saturday’s matchup, especially considering his clutch goal in the last season Sharks win over the Lightning? (Toffoli scored and helped San Jose snap its skid the last time these clubs met.)
Will Yaroslav Askarov’s netminding be a key factor, particularly if the Lightning come out firing early? (Askarov made 24 saves in their prior meeting and could again be pivotal.)
Can Collin Graf make noise offensively again and continue to grow chemistry with Celebrini and Will Smith on that forward line? (Graf has been working with San Jose’s up-and-coming core upfront.)
What defensive adjustments will Mario Ferraro and the Sharks blueline need to contain Tampa Bay’s transition game? (Defense and gap control will be tested against a fast Lightning squad.)
Photo credit: Sacramento Kings guard Demar Derozan, right, looks on while being guarded by Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)
By Vince Cestone
The Sacramento Kings couldn’t handle a 29-point game from Jaylen Brown as the Boston Celtics win 120-106 on Thursday night at Golden 1 Center.
Brown made 11 of 25 shots, with only one of them being a 3-pointer. But he made six free throws in the game. Brown did foul out in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics were able to close out the game easily.
On Sacramento’s side, DeMar DeRozan was the headliner with 25 points. Dennis Schroder had 18 points, and Keon Ellis had 16 points. But it wasn’t enough for the Kings as they fell to 8-26 on the year. The beam hasn’t lit up in Sacramento too often this season. The Kings have now lost nine of 11 games.
The game was tied at 90 with under 11 minutes remaining, but Boston’s Derrick White shot a 3-pointer to put his team up for good.
Sacramento was up 61-56 right before halftime, but Brown helped the Celtics go on a 6-0 run to take the lead.
The Kings came within four points with 6:30 left in the game, but they could not overcome the Celtics, who showed why they were the better team.
The Celtics are now 21-12 on the season.
Up next, the Kings will take on the Phoenix Suns on Friday in Arizona.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check. 🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah. 🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
Indiana Hoosiers lineman Jackson Lloyd (78) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) share congratulations after a touchdown pass from Mendoza to wide receiver Elijah Sarratt in the second half at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Thu Jan 1, 2026 (AP News photo)
Rose Bowl Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza guides Indiana to a 38-3 rout over Alabama, the Hoosiers’ first bowl win since 1991, and they are now on their way to the CFP semifinal berth against Oregon
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi Gonzalez
Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards(87.5%), for three touchdowns, as Indiana routed Alabama 38-3. The Hoosiers’ first bowl win since 1991, and they are now on their way to the CFP semifinal berth against Oregon.
Always a big deal to beat Alabama, arguably the most prestigious as well as dominant college football program ever. They consistently have multiple players selected in the NFL Draft each year, with some years yielding significant first-round picks, and many NFL stars who played for Alabama, such as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Thursday, Hurts’ team, the Eagles, is a strong contender (among the top 6) to win the upcoming Super Bowl.
Fernando Mendoza is the first Heisman winner of Cuban heritage; all four of his grandparents were born and raised in Cuba before moving to the US. Mondoza was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up immersed in the most vibrant Cuban community in the US.
As a Latino quarterback, he’s seen as an inspiration, bringing pride to the Hispanic community, particularly Cubans. In the Miami area, Mendoza is highly engaged with the community, consistently speaking with young Latinos about family, hard work, sacrifice, and other values.
He is seen as an inspiration to the Hispanic community. Other famous quarterbacks of Hispanic heritage include the following. Jim Plunkett is the most successful, won the Heisman Trophy and led the Oakland Raiders to two Super Bowl victories.
He was the first Hispanic starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl and the Super Bowl MVP Award. Tom Flores, Joe Capp, Jeff García, Tony Romo, and Mark Sánchez also made it to the NFL and they all had Latino roots. Attention Raiders fans: Fernando Mendoza has not declared his favorite NFL team (at least publicly).
Raiders fans hope he is drafted by them, as betting odds strongly favor him as the #1 pick for the Raiders in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. I believe it would be a strong move for the Raiders to select young Fernando Mendoza.
Let’s face it, the Raiders need all the help they can get. The whole organization needs a total overhaul. And it would not be a bad start if they pick this talented young man. There is hardly any doubt that the majority of the Raiders fans live here in the Bay Area. No team that moves from the Bay Area to Las Vegas can have a larger following in Las Vegas than here in Oakland.
Quote: “Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football.” – Attributed to John Heisman, the trophy’s namesake, often used to emphasize ball security.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874
From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.
We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.
LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) takes a shot on goal against the Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) in the second round of the shootout at SAP Center in San Jose on Wed Dec 31, 2025 (AP News photo)
San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro:
#1 Len, the game started with the Minnesota Wild’s Vladimir Tarasenko scoring his eighth goal of the sesaon to put the Wild on top 1-0 at 10:38
#2 The Sharks got two goals to the Wild’s no goals in the second period. Igor Chernyshov scored for his third of the season for the Sharks at 1:14 to tie it 1-1 San Jose. The Sharks Jeff Skinner scored his fifth goal a power play goal to give San Jose the 2-1 lead at 16:47.
#3 In the third period the Sharks Macklin Celebrini scored his 22nd goal of the season as San Jose took a two goal lead 3-1 at 4:16. The Wild came back with two straight goals to tie it up with Marcus Foligno his first of the season at 6:40 and Mats Zuccarello scored his fourth goal of the season to tie up the game at 3-3 at 8:47 which forced overtime.
#4 In the overtime stanza neither team scored. In the second round of the shootout following the overtime. Celebrini scored the first shootout goal and Will Smith scored the clincher for the second shootout goal for the 4-3 Sharks win. Top three stars #3 Jeff Skinner, #2 Igor Chernyshov and the #1 star Celebrini
#5 Next up for the San Jose Sharks they face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning who were in their own overtime against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Face off between the Bolts and Sharks on Sat Jan 3 is 1:00pm PT at SAP Center.
San Jose Barracuda defensemen Cole Clayton (#59) and Luca Cagnoni (#42) help take Ontario Reign forward Jared Wright (#78) to the ground after the whistle during the Barracuda’s 5-4 win at Toyota Arena on Wednesday DEC 31, 2025. (San Jose Barracuda)
by Marko Ukalovic
Lucas Carlsson ended up giving the San Jose Barracuda a Happy New Year.
Carlsson scored the game winning goal with one tenth of a second left on the clock as the Cuda defeated the Ontario Reign 5-4 on New Year’s Eve at Toyota Arena.
Cam Lund sent a cross-ice pass through the crease that hit off the stick off of Reign goalie Phoenix Copley and Carlsson cleaned up the rebound into the back of the net with just one tenth of a second remaining. The goal went to review, and it was deemed a good goal as San Jose escaped with two points in regulation after blowing a two-goal lead.
San Jose concluded the season series with Ontario with a 5-2-1 record including going 3-0-1 at Toyota Arena. They also have won three consecutive road games and three out of their last four overall.
Ontario (18-10-1-1-38 points) drew first blood with a power play goal just past the halfway mark of the first period. Glenn Gawdin sent a pass over to Cole Guttman to the right wing. Guttman looked out in front before unloading a wrist shot past Cuda goalie Gabriel Carriere for his sixth goal of the season at the 10:57 mark. Guttman played in his first game back from a two-game suspension when he had a hit to the head of Quentin Musty back on December 22nd.
San Jose (18-10-1-1-38 points) showed little to none forecheck during the opening frame as they only registered four shots against Reign goalie Phoenix Copley, who only had to make one tough save off of a Musty shot through traffic in front of his crease with under five minutes remaining.
The Barracuda evened the game with an even strength early in the second period. Colin White’s pass behind the net found Kasper Halttunen inside the trapezoid. Halttunen’s back hand pass was tucked home by Oliver Wahlstrom for his ninth goal of the season at the 2:47 mark.
San Jose gained its first lead of the game less than three minutes later. Musty led a two-on-one odd man rush inside Ontario’s zone. Musty sent a cross-ice pass over to an unmarked Ethan Cardwell who buried a one-timer to the short side for his fourth goal of the season at the 5:27 mark.
The Barracuda scored its third unanswered goal with a short-handed goal late in the middle frame. Filip Bystedt initiated a two-on-zero odd man rush inside the neutral zone. Bystedt skated all the way before depositing a wrist shot through the five-hole of Copley for his ninth goal of the season at the 12:41 mark.
Ontario responded just 32 second later moments after their power play opportunity just ended. Jack Hughes sent a backhand pass from behind the net to Kenny Connors at the left wing. Connors sneaked a wrist shot past Carriere to the short side for his seventh goal of the season.
San Jose regained its two-goal lead with 40 seconds left in the middle period with an even strength goal. Egor Afanasyev rifled in a one-timer from the left wing for his fifth goal of the season to cap off a four-goal second period.
Ontario erased San Jose’s two goal lead with two goals in the first 1:45 of the third period. Guttman scored his second goal of the game 1:20 in when he beat Carriere with a wrist shot to the glove side for his seventh goal of the season. Then 25 seconds later on the next shift, Tim Rego cleaned up a rebound into an open net for his first goal of the season.
Carriere (8-6-2-1) finished the game stopping 18 of the 22 shots to earn his eighth win of the season. Copley (7-7-0) made 26 saves on 31 shots in the losing effort.
GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-1 on the power play. Ontario went 1-for-4.
The Three Stars of the Game:
1) Carlsson (1G, 0A)
2) Guttman (2G, 1A)
3) Rego (1G, 0A)
UP NEXT: San Jose begin the new calendar year with a weekend series against the Bakersfield Condors on Friday January 2nd at 7:00pm at Dignity Health Arena.
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