The Bakersfield Condors are on quite the roll, extending their home unbeaten streak to seven games with a thrilling 4-3 win over the Texas Stars. This victory at Dignity Health Arena marks a 5-0-2 run on home ice, showcasing the Condors' resilience and skill.
James Hamblin kicked things off with a beauty, netting his 24th goal by breaking through the blue line and firing it under the crossbar at 8:39. Seth Griffith, notching his 700th AHL point with the primary assist, joined an elite club of just 27 players to reach such a milestone.
Isaac Howard followed up, making it 2-0 with a sharp shot from the right-wing dot after a slick pass from rookie Quinn Hutson at 11:42. Texas answered back with a goal from the point at 15:12, closing the first period at 2-1.
The second period started with a bang as the teams traded goals within 28 seconds. Texas tied it up at 2-2 with a point shot at just 52 seconds in, but Sam Poulin quickly restored the Condors' lead, making it 3-2.
Viljami Marjala added to the excitement, scoring off a rebound at 11:23 in the third, pushing the Condors to a 4-2 advantage. Texas managed a shorthanded goal to bring it to 4-3, but that's where the comeback ended.
Quinn Hutson continues to impress with eight points in his last eight games, while Isaac Howard stood out with a goal, an assist, and a team-leading nine shots. The Condors peppered the net with 44 shots, setting a season high.
Bakersfield's dominance over Texas at home is undeniable, now boasting a 9-0-2 record in their last 11 matchups. With this win and a Tucson loss, the Condors' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is down to 12. The team is hitting its stride at just the right time, and fans have every reason to be excited about what’s to come.