Gulls Extend Point Streak to Five Games, Fall to Tucson 4-3 in OT
Oct 27, 2018The San Diego Gulls overcame a third period deficit for the second consecutive game to earn a point, but eventually fell 4-3 to the Tucson Roadrunners in overtime. Despite the overtime setback, the Gulls extended their standings point streak to five games (3-0-1-1, eight points).
"It’s encouraging that we’re right there," said Gulls head coach Dallas Eakins. "We just have to tighten up a few areas. That’s what the start of the season is for. We’re still pulling video clips in between periods to continue teaching. That’s how it is every year. We’ll continue that path and try to get better this week."
The opening period was highlighted by several great saves, hits and a San Diego goal by Kalle Kossila that would be called back due to goalie interference. After the first 20 minutes, the score sheet would show no goals by either team for only the second time this season.
San Diego didn’t take long to change that, as Kalle Kossila scored a goal on an uncontested shot from the top of the faceoff circle at 1:31 into the second frame. The goal came on the man advantage, marking Kossila’s second consecutive night with a power-play score.
Josh Mahura and Corey Tropp collected the assists, extending both Tropp's point and assist streaks to five games..
Tucson’s David Ullstrom evened things up at the 11:19 mark of the second with a wrist shot from directly in front of the net. The Roadrunners’ point leader, Conor Garlund, gained the lone assist on the goal.
Ben Thomson scored the following goal on a one-timer 3:55 later to give the lead back to San Diego. Tropp collected another assist on the play, giving him eight assists in his seven games played (1G/8A). Gulls’ captain Jaycob Megna also gained an assist, marking his first point of the season.
With just 18 seconds left in the period, Mario Kempe got a shot past Gulls’ goaltender Jared Coreau with a slap shot from the point to tie the game for a second time. Garlund added another assist to give him 3-8=11 points on the season.
The Roadrunners found the back of the net again at 7:39 into the third to take the lead for the first time this game. Defenseman Jordan Gross was awarded the goal, while Adam Helewka and Lane Pederson added the assists.
It took Kossila 3:09 to tie the game back up at three goals a piece as he netted a goal on a shot that looked similar to his first goal of the game. The goal marked his third goal in two games following his return to the Gulls lineup yesterday (Oct. 26). Kossila has recorded 7-3=10 points in his last six games played dating back to last season.
Troy Terry continued to stay hot, recording the primary assist on the goal, giving him 3-4=7 points in his first four career AHL games with San Diego.
“He’s been excellent,” said head coach Dallas Eakins. “To come back from the injury he had, the amount of diligence he has put into his rehab, with his condition, with the way he has practice the last two weeks, he’s a great example of how to do it. Usually guys that have been out that long and come in, they don’t have that kind of impact. He was determined to have one.”
The game needed an overtime for a final decision as the third period ended tied at three goals each. With 0:16 left in the extra minutes, the Roadrunners’ Ullstrom scored to win the game.
Coreau made a season-high 47 saves. The 51 shots faced by Coreau were also a season high, and rank second all-time behind Kevin Boyle's 55 shots faced on Feb. 17, 2018 vs. Ontario (5-2 Gulls win).
The Gulls will visit the Ontario Reign on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 at Citizens Business Bank Arena (6:00 p.m., Mighty 1090).