Barracuda Head North: A Clash with the Calgary Wranglers
As the San Jose Barracuda make their final regular-season trip to Canada, they gear up for a two-game showdown against the Calgary Wranglers at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Barracuda are coming off a tough 4-3 overtime loss to the Wranglers at home, marking their first defeat to Calgary this season. Calgary, on the other hand, is riding high on a three-game winning streak, their second-longest of the year.
Recent Battle Recap
In their last encounter, the Barracuda saw their six-game overtime winning streak snapped. Oliver Wahlstrom was a standout, scoring twice on the power play to keep San Jose in the fight.
Despite his efforts, Calgary’s William Strömgren sealed the deal with an overtime goal, capping off a three-point night. Goalies Laurent Brossoit and Ivan Prosvetov were busy, with Brossoit making 39 saves for San Jose.
Wahlstrom's Winning Ways
Oliver Wahlstrom is on fire, extending his goal streak to three games with five goals in that span. Tied for third in the league for power-play goals, Wahlstrom is a key offensive weapon for the Barracuda. He's closing in on the franchise record for power-play goals in a season, set at 14.
Resilient Comebacks
The Barracuda have shown resilience, notching their 20th comeback win of the season against San Diego. They’ve proven they can rally, even when trailing early, with a solid record when overcoming initial deficits.
Return of Filip Bystedt
Filip Bystedt is back in action after an upper-body injury sidelined him. Despite missing games, he remains a top contributor for the Barracuda, leading in points and tying for assists and game-winning goals. His return is a significant boost for the team.
Rookie on the Rise: Kasper Halttunen
Kasper Halttunen is making waves in his rookie season. After a hat trick in an 8-4 victory over Henderson and a shootout winner against San Diego, Halttunen is proving to be a clutch player. His impressive performance echoes his junior career success with the London Knights.
Injury Challenges
The Barracuda face some roster challenges with recent surgeries for Cam Lund, Ethan Cardwell, and Shane Bowers. Lund and Cardwell are out for the season, while Bowers faces a six-week recovery. The team also continues to miss Colin White and Sam Laberge.
As the Barracuda head into this pivotal series against Calgary, they'll need to draw on their depth and resilience. With key players returning and others stepping up, they’re poised to make a strong push as the season progresses.