PREVIEW: Gulls Look For A Fresh Start In The Desert
Dec 22, 2022By Brett Pickler/SanDiegoGulls.com
The San Diego Gulls travel to the desert for game two of three consecutive games against the Tucson Roadrunners at the Tucson Convention Center Arena (5:30 p.m. PT; TV: AHL TB, RADIO: Gulls Audio Network).
The Gulls look to bounce back from a 9-4 loss at the hands of the Roadrunners in their last outing. This loss extended San Diego’s losing streak to 11 games. Tucson, on the other hand, is on a three-game winning streak following their 3-2 win over the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Dec. 12.
Despite the losing streak, the Gulls’ offense is producing at a higher rate as of late. Left wing David Cotton noted the team’s ability to create chances in recent games.
"I mean, chances are the first thing you need. Chances before you get goals. So at least we're getting there," Cotton said. "You know, just getting the puck in the back net. Guys just need to bear down a little bit, get inside the dirty areas, but at least we're getting those opportunities and the rest is on us just to make sure it gets over the line."
Defenseman Nikolas Brouillard is leading the way with a four-game point streak. Over this stretch, he recorded 0-7=7 points. He is second on the Gulls in points and as of Dec. 21, he ranks fourth among American Hockey League (AHL) defensemen in points. Cotton is also finding the scoresheet with two power play goals (PPG) in his last three games. He also recorded his first multi-point game (1-1=2) of the season in the last game against Tucson.
However, the Gulls must contain the offensive threats of the Roadrunners. Forward Michael Carcone leads the AHL in scoring with 15-24=39 points. He is currently riding a three-game point streak where he registered 4-4=8 points. Carcone is no stranger to finding the scoresheet when he plays San Diego, putting up five points in the previous two matchups this season. Center Adam Cracknell is also putting up some impressive numbers. In his last 6 games, he combined for 5-6=11 points with three points coming in the last contest against the Gulls.
Prior to tonight’s game, San Diego made some additions to their lineup to bolster their team. Gulls Head coach Roy Sommer talked about the acquisitions and his expectations heading into tonight’s game.
"These guys got to look at San Diego’s best place to play in the whole league. You know, they should be chomping at the bit to see what they can do to stay here," Sommer said. "There’s been games we haven’t seen that, but I guess the bottom line is the lineup that we have on Thursday is going to have to come in and get things done."
Defenseman Michael Del Zotto was acquired in a three-team trade that sent center Danny O’Regan to the Detroit Red Wings. Del Zotto will report to the Gulls and his veteran presence should help the team’s younger players. In his career, he recorded 63-199=262 points in 736 NHL games and 12-32=44 points in 62 AHL games.
Additionally, San Diego signed defenseman Frank Hora and forward Travis Howe to professional tryout agreements (PTOs). Hora played 22 games in the ECHL this season with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits earning 2-7=9 points. He also has 0-8=8 points in 56 career AHL games. Howe collected 2-4=6 points in 23 games with the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL. He appeared in one previous AHL contest with the Roadrunners in a game against the Ontario Reign on Dec. 18, 2018. With these new additions, San Diego will aim to find their way back into the win column.