The San Diego Gulls are gearing up for another clash against the Colorado Eagles tonight at Pechanga Arena. After last night’s face-off, where the Gulls put up a spirited fight, they’re looking to bounce back and even the score in this four-game series.
In their last encounter, the Gulls showed resilience against the Eagles, who are sitting comfortably in the Pacific Division's second spot. San Diego held their ground, maintaining a lead or tie for most of the game. However, the Eagles surged ahead in the third period, clinching a 6-3 victory.
Sasha Pastujov, reflecting on the game, noted, "They’re a top team in our division every year, but it’s really about us. We controlled the game for two periods, but a brief lapse cost us. Good teams capitalize on that."
Ryan Carpenter kicked off the scoring with his sixth powerplay goal and 15th overall for the season. Judd Caulfield added his first AHL career powerplay goal, giving the Gulls a second-period lead.
Pastujov continued his stellar season, boosting his team-leading point tally to 42 with a goal and an assist. In goal, Calle Clang was pivotal, stopping 22 of 27 shots to keep the Gulls competitive.
San Diego’s special teams have been a bright spot, with powerplay goals in three of their last four games and a penalty kill success rate of 85.5%, tying them for second in the league. Maintaining this momentum will be crucial for securing points tonight.
Pastujov emphasized the importance of consistency, saying, "Our focus is on playing a full game. We had two of our best periods last night, and you could see the frustration on their side.
We just need to stay focused for the full 60 minutes. We believe in our team, and sticking together is key."
Currently tied for sixth in the division, the Gulls need to capitalize on tonight’s opportunity to strengthen their playoff position, especially with the Henderson Silver Knights idle. A win against the Eagles would be a significant step in that direction.