The Calgary Wranglers faced off against the Bakersfield Condors in a thrilling road matchup on Saturday, marking their third game of the week. The Condors, dressed in their Star Wars-themed gear, hosted the final showdown of the season between these two squads. It was a defensive battle, with Bakersfield netting the lone goal early in the second period, handing the Wranglers a tough 1-0 shutout loss despite seven power play opportunities.
Lineup Updates
Before the game, the Wranglers shared some crucial injury updates. Rory Kerins remains sidelined on a week-to-week basis, while Lucas Ciona is out day-to-day, both grappling with lower body injuries.
Adding to the list, Nick Cicek is out day-to-day with an upper body injury. Martin Frk also missed the game, staying back as he awaits the birth of his child.
These absences opened the door for Carter Wilkie to rejoin the lineup and for Chase Pauls to make his debut after a call-up from Rapid City. Pauls sported the number four jersey for Calgary.
Wranglers Lines
- Forwards: Dryden Hunt - Justin Kirkland - William Stromgren Brennan Othmann - Sam Morton - Aydar Suniev Carter King - Clark Bishop - David Silye Alex Gallant - Carter Wilkie - Parker Bell
- Defense: Turner Ottenbreit - Daniil Miromanov Artem Grushnikov - Gavin White Etienne Morin - Chase Pauls
- Goaltender: Arsenii Sergeev
Game Breakdown
The goaltending duel featured Arsenii Sergeev for Calgary and Calvin Pickard for Bakersfield. The game kicked off with some early roughhousing, as penalties were assessed to Quinn Hutson and Dryden Hunt just over a minute in. Shortly after, Sam Morton was penalized for an illegal check, putting Calgary on the penalty kill.
Bakersfield took the first shots, and at 9:05, they were penalized for high sticking, giving Calgary a two-man advantage. Despite four shots during this power play, the Wranglers couldn't find the back of the net.
As the teams returned to full strength, they exchanged opportunities, but the first period concluded scoreless, with Calgary outshooting Bakersfield 9-6. Early in the second, coincidental penalties for roughing led to a four-on-four, and the Condors capitalized with Atro Leppannen scoring at 1:28.
Parker Bell nearly equalized for Calgary around the six-minute mark, hitting the post after catching Pickard off guard. The Wranglers had another power play at 12:50 due to a cross-checking call but couldn't convert. They got yet another chance late in the period when Quinn Hutson was penalized for slashing.
Calgary managed only three shots in the second period, trailing 1-0 with Bakersfield taking ten shots. The third period saw Calgary pressing early to level the score. Around seven minutes in, a turnover led to a dangerous Bakersfield shot, but Sergeev made a sprawling save to keep his team within striking distance.
At 12:32, Turner Ottenbreit drew a slashing penalty, giving Calgary their fifth power play. They called a timeout to strategize, but the advantage was cut short by a high-sticking call against Dryden Hunt, leading to a brief four-on-four before Bakersfield had a short power play.
Calgary had one last power play opportunity at 16:28 due to a tripping call, but they couldn't capitalize. Sergeev was pulled for an extra attacker at 18:40, and the Wranglers fired three more shots but fell short, ending the game with a 1-0 loss. The final shot tally was 22-20 in Calgary's favor.
Looking Ahead
The Wranglers have no time to dwell on the loss as they gear up for a back-to-back, heading to San Diego to take on the Gulls on Sunday. Puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m. MT.