PREVIEW: Gull Look To Rebound In Henderson
Nov 27, 2022By Brett Pickler/SanDiegoGulls.com
Looking to bounce back from a loss last night, the San Diego Gulls hit the road for a game against the Henderson Silver Knights at The Dollar Loan Center (5 p.m. PT; TV: AHL TV, RADIO: Gulls Audio Network).
The Gulls continue their eight-game regular-season series with the Silver Knights tonight. In the first matchup, San Diego recorded a season-high seven goals in a 7-0 win, matching the team’s American Hockey League record for the largest margin of victory. This contest also saw goaltender Lukas Dostal record his third career AHL shutout, as the netminder turned aside all 28 shots he faced to tie Reto Berra for the most career shutouts in the franchise’s AHL history. San Diego is looking for a repeat performance in Henderson after dropping their last two games.
Their most recent loss came on home ice last night, a 4-1 setback in team’s inaugural game against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Hunter Drew scored the game’s first goal, a power-play tally at 7:53 of the first period. Coachella Valley would respond from there, scoring the next four goals – including two shorthanded tallies – to grab the win
"I feel like we had a good start to the game and then I think we just kind of got away from the way we're supposed to play," Gulls forward Bryce Kindopp said following the game. "We didn't really get pucks in (and) pucks out, kind of play that simple game. We didn't have a lot of traffic around the net. The goalie had some easy looks. We also didn't shoot the puck enough. So yeah, just some things didn't work out and they put the puck in the back of our net."
Henderson comes into the game on a three-game losing streak, outscored 11-6 during this stretch. Despite their recent offensive struggles, the Silver Knights do have players who are producing. Right wing Sheldon Rempal registered 1-3=4 points in his last three games, leading the charge for his team offensively. Defenseman Sakari Manninen is riding a three-game point streak (0-3=4), highlighting his ability to create offense from the blue line. Kindopp noted Henderson’s skills following his team’s loss to the Coachella Valley Firebirds last night.
"Every team in our division and the league is really good," he said. "So, we can't take them lightly. Like I said before, we just have to learn from this game and be ready to go tomorrow."
The Gulls are looking for another offensive breakout tonight after only managing two goals in their last two games. However, San Diego was in a similar situation prior to their last matchup with Henderson. The team has had their chances in the offensive zone but must capitalize on them going forward.
"Yeah, I think the good part is we play again tomorrow," Kindopp said. "You learn the things you did wrong. The things you did good, you take away from this game and you get right back into it tomorrow. So, it's kind of learn on your mistakes, try and get better and just get right back into it tomorrow."