PREVIEW: Gulls Look To Head Into The Holidays With Their Spirits High
Dec 23, 2022By Brett Pickler/SanDiegoGulls.com
The San Diego Gulls finish their set of three consecutive games against the Tucson Roadrunners tonight at the Tucson Convention Center Arena (6 p.m. PT; TV: AHL TV, RADIO: Gulls Audio Network).
The Gulls look to avenge their second straight loss to the Roadrunners and their 12th loss in a row tonight with a win before the holiday break. Meanwhile, Tucson is looking to extend its four-game win streak and continue to climb the Pacific Division standings.
The Roadrunners are proving to be one of the better offensive teams in the American Hockey League, especially on the man advantage. In their last two contests with the Gulls, they scored four times on the power play. Forward Michael Carcone is leading the way, recording three power play points in the last two games. He is also riding a four-game point streak, tallying 4-6=10 points. Another leading force for Tucson is forward Laurent Dauphin. He scored power play goals in consecutive games and has 5-2=7 points during a four-game point streak
The Gulls were forced to adapt to injuries and call-ups to key players during their losing streak. As of today, seven players are injured, and three players are currently up with the Anaheim Ducks. This led the Gulls shift players around to fill in the holes. Hunter Drew shifted from his usual spot on the wing to the center position to give San Diego a big, solid defender in the middle of the ice. Nikolas Brouillard moved up to left wing on the first line to allow his playmaking ability shine and create some offense in the most recent game against the Roadrunners.
These changes managed to spark some offense. Brouillard extended his point streak to five games with a power play goal. During his streak, he registered 0-9=9 points and emerged as one of the most consistent Gulls offensively. Center Benoit-Olivier Groulx is also seeing success in this set against Tucson. He recorded points in consecutive games giving him 1-1=2 points with both coming on the man advantage. Left wing Rocco Grimaldi found success on special teams lately, registering two power play assists in last night’s contest.
San Diego can afford to empty the tank and go all out before getting some much-needed rest Heading back to San Diego with a win could also boost the team’s confidence as they look to the end of 2022.