Gulls Host Conference-Leading Tucson Roadrunners Tonight
San Diego riding a three-game point streak against Tucson.
Nov 30, 2019The Gulls conclude their November schedule and open a three-game homestand tonight vs. the Tucson Roadrunners at Pechanga Arena San Diego (7 p.m., TV: AHLTV, Radio: San Diego Gulls Audio Network). San Diego has scored 45 goals the last 10 games (4.5 goals-per game) with the club’s 55 goals this season the second-most scored through the club’s first 16 games (also 60 in 2018-19). The club will look to their high-powered offense as they conclude a 12-game November schedule (seven home, five road).
In their most recent matchup, the Gulls fell 2-1 to the Ontario Reign, but scored the game’s first goal for the sixth straight contest, opening the scoring in 10 of their last 11 games. Alex Dostie scored for the second straight game, his sixth goal of the season, while Hunter Drew recorded the lone assist. Kevin Boyle stopped 24-of-26 shots in the setback.
“We have to learn from this one and move on,” said Sam Carrick following the loss. “We got a really good team tomorrow, they’re at the top of our division, they’ve been buzzing all year. It’s going to be a good test for our guys, it will be fun playing in front of our home fans again and that’s a game that we definitely need at this point in the season. If you look at our standings, we’re chasing (Ontario), we’re chasing Tucson and we need to start winning.”
San Diego and Tucson open an eight-game season series with tonight’s matchup. San Diego has earned points in three consecutive games against the Roadrunners (2-0-1-0), and is 17-12-2-1 vs. the Roadrunners all-time, including 8-6-1-1 at home. They have also outscored Tucson 116-103 all-time, posting 3.6 goals-per game in 32 all-time matchups. The Gulls power-play has also produced at a 23.8% mark all-time (31-for-130). Corey Tropp paces all Gulls skaters in career scoring (12-19=31), goals and assists over 26 career games Tucson.
San Diego has been scoring in all situations as of late. The team’s 20 goals from Nov. 13-17 marks the most goals in a three-game stretch in franchise history (previous: 16, Apr. 6-10, 2016). San Diego co-leads the AHL with seven shorthanded goals this season (also Cleveland). The Gulls have scored their seven shorthanded goals over the last nine contests. The Roadrunners are tied for the league lead for in goals against, allowing just 50 goals in their 19 contests this season.
Tucson (15-4-0-0) enters tonight reeling off four straight wins to sit atop the Pacific Division and Western Conference, while their 15 wins co-lead the AHL. Coming off an 8-3 win in Bakersfield Wednesday evening, the Roadrunners tallied eight goals for the third time this season to match a franchise record. All eight goals came at even strength, with defenseman Dysin Mayo leading the charge offensively with his second three-point game of the season (1G/2A).
“They’re a speedy team,” said Gulls head coach Kevin Dineen. “I’ve only watched a couple of periods of their games, but they certainly have a skill set. They come at you with speed and they’re very active. We can’t play in a defensive mode, we have to get the puck, we have to skate it and make them play it in their zone. That will be a big difference maker for us.”
Forward Hudson Fasching added two assists to push his point streak six games (5G/5A). Lane Pederson leads the club in scoring (21) goals (11) and assists (10) in 19 games, with his 11 goals ranking in the top 10 league wide (tied for sixth overall).
Rookie goaltender Ivan Prosvetov (4-1-0) earned his fourth win of the season Wednesday, stopping 36-of-39 shots. Provestov has posted a 2.18 GAA and .939 SV% in his first five career appearances. Veteran Adin Hill (6-2-0) has the bulk of starts for Tucson this season, winning six of eight contests, but has only registered a 3.15 GAA and .895 SV%.