Gulls Back in Bakersfield to Battle Condors

Apr 11, 2025

By Nick Aguilera/SanDiegoGulls.com 

It’s a battle of the birds tonight at Dignity Health Arena in Bakersfield, as the Gulls travel north to wrap up their season series with the Condors. 

San Diego has faired well this season facing Bakersfield, earning standings points in six of seven games against the Condors (4-1-0-2). The Gulls will have to continue their success over their interdivision rival in pursuit of postseason hockey, as they will need to win each of their last five games to stay in the race.  

With their backs against the wall, the Gulls will need to play their best hockey of the season to give themselves a chance. 

"Our guys have pushed so hard for so long to be able to give ourselves a chance," head coach Matt McIlvane said. "We’re hanging on hope, that’s for sure. But we can really only worry about ourselves." 

The Gulls got a big boost to their offense on Sunday, as Sasha Pastujov slotted back into the lineup for the first time since February 28. He picked up right where he left off with an assist, his 26th of the season. 

"Felt like something was missing there the last month of my life, and it was just being with the boys and competing," Pastujov said. "Our medical staff and our training staff did a great job preparing me and made sure I didn’t come back too soon [from injury]. I felt pretty good in that first game back and just tried to match the intensity of the game."

The Gulls will have another road battle this weekend on Sunday when they face the Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena (5 p.m. PDT).