Gulls Ready for Round Two with Stars
Feb 28, 2024By Morgan Korovec/SanDiegoGulls.com
The San Diego Gulls are back for another round with the Texas Stars Wednesday night as they gear up for redemption at H-E-B Center in their final game of the month (5 p.m. PST; TV: AHL TV; Radio: Gulls Audio Network).
Tonight, San Diego will embark on the second of its back-to-back matchups with Texas looking to snap their five-game skid. Dusting off their boots after last night’s 3-1 setback, the Gulls will hit the ice tonight seeking to harness that unshakeable road warrior spirit that has powered their success in many away games this season.
"I think we can get a little bit more connected to the game mentally and I think we can be a bit more competitive to a man," head coach Matt McIlvane said. "I think that we have another level that we can show, and it’s going to be up to us to show it."
Tuesday’s game was a disciplined one for both teams, as there were a combined three penalties throughout.
The Gulls tied the score in the middle frame but were unable to outshine the Stars. Nikita Nesterenko netted the lone goal of the evening, recording his 12th goal of the season. Pavol Regenda picked up an assist on the night, collecting points in seven straight road games.
"Just a little better puck management by the blueliners," Nesterenko said. "They're good on the rush, so if we can limit that, just get some pucks in and get them moving around in the o-zone. Just more shots on goal, I think.
"We didn’t shoot enough. We had chances in the third circle there, but just kind of passed our way out or looped around the net. Definitely more shots tomorrow and we'll see where it goes."
Following tonight’s game, the Gulls get set for a Friday faceoff as they approach a sixth matchup with the Ontario Reign on Mar. 1 at Toyota Arena (7 p.m. PST).