The San Jose Barracuda and Stockton Heat split their first two meetings in the best-of-five first-round series of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The series shifts to Stockton with San Jose looking to get back on top of the Calgary Flames’ affiliate.
San Jose got out to a great start in the series, shutting out the Heat and thoroughly dominating the Stockton-based franchise in the process. Things didn’t get to such a swimming start in game two as Stockton scored four goals on nine shots in the first period on AHL goalie of the year Troy Grosenick.
The Barracuda recovered, scoring three-straight in the second period in game two but couldn’t complete the comeback. So after winning 4-0 in game one, the ‘Cuda stumbled to a 6-4 loss in game two and find themselves tied in the series.
San Jose got Timo Meier back for game two and will almost certainly have Marcus Sorensen for game three. Kevin Labanc played in both games. If there’s a bright side to the Sharks’ early exit from the postseason, it’s that the Barracuda have gotten an early shot in the arm. early exit ro
Meier was held off the scoresheet in his first game back, while Labanc has a goal and an assist in two games. Ryan Carpenter leads the ‘Cuda with two goals and two assists and a whopping eight shots on goal. Labanc has also taken eight shots goal. Mirco Mueller has an assist (notable because he hasn’t score much this year).
The Barracuda have outshot the Heat 68-48 in the series. It’s worth noting score effects have likely kept things pretty balanced thus far as both teams have spent one game staring down a big deficit. Take that for what it’s worth.
Games three and four will be played in Stockton on Friday and Sunday, respectively. If there is a game five it will be back at SAP Center on Tuesday, May 2.
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