The San Jose Barracuda secured a 2-1 victory over the Ontario Reign in game two of the first round of the AHL playoffs, sweeping the Reign in the best of three series and advancing to the second round of the Pacific Division playoffs.
Yaroslav Askarov delivered a stellar performance in the net, while Anthony Vincent and Collin Graf provided the offensive spark.
First Period
The opening frame featured tight defensive play and goaltending for the Barracuda. Both teams exchanged shots early, with Donavan Houle testing goalie Pheonix Copley. The Barracuda’s aggressive forecheck led to a power play opportunity when Andre Lee was called for hooking. Although the power play didn’t result in a goal, it set the stage for the Barracuda’s offensive momentum.
Midway through the period, both teams engaged in a brief squabble, leading to matching minor penalties for Anthony Vincent and Angus Booth at 10:50. The Barracuda continued to pressure Copley. Despite numerous shots, neither team found the back of the net, and the period ended scoreless.
Second Period
The second period saw the Barracuda capitalize on their offensive opportunities. At 7:40, Anthony Vincent opened the scoring with a powerful shot past Copley, assisted by Colin White.
The Barracuda’s penalty kill unit was strong, successfully neutralizing a power play chance for the Reign when Joey Keane was in the box for slashing.
The Reign’s offense struggled to break through Askarov, who made key saves, including an incredible one off his foot, to maintain the Barracuda’s lead.
Despite a late power play opportunity for the Reign, the Barracuda’s defense held firm, and the period concluded with San Jose leading 1-0.
Third Period
The final period was tense, with both teams vying for control. At 6:12, Martin Chromiak tied the game for the Reign on a rebound opportunity.
However, the Barracuda responded. At 17:42, Collin Graf netted the game-winning goal, assisted by Ethan Cardwell and Colin White, to give the Barracuda a 2-1 lead.
As the Reign pressed, Askarov continued to stand tall in the net, denying several chances. With Copley pulled for an extra attacker, the Barracuda’s defense held strong, and the game concluded with a 2-1 victory for San Jose.
Anthony Vincent on pig mentality
After scoring his first professional playoff goal and throwing his weight around all night, Vincent summed up the Barracuda’s identity with a grin.
“Our motto is be a pig, so everyone’s blocking shots, getting pucks deep, taking the net, playing physical,” Vincent said. “So that’s playoff hockey.”
Vincent was everywhere in game two. Scoring, scrapping and stirring momentum, you name it. And he knows how crucial that bench energy is when the stakes are high.
“In every game, there’s momentum swings, and you just want to do your best on the bench as a team, just controlling that, not getting too excited or too down on each other,” said Vincent.
He also brushed off the officiating with poise
“Calls aren’t always gonna go your way. You can’t get down on yourself. You just gotta keep playing hard and finish the game strong,” he said.
And when asked about stepping in after a teammate went down, Vincent said, “That’s playoff hockey. That’s being the team.”
Askarov keeps it locked down
Askarov wasn’t just the Barracuda’s last line of defense in game two, he was the team’s calm backbone. Turning aside 29 of 30 shots, he stayed true to his unpredictable style both in the crease and at the mic.
“It’s the playoffs, you never know,” he said. “You never know what’s going on next. So that’s why my goal just trying to give the chance to win.”
And win they did, thanks to Askarov’s steady glove and composure. Still, he was quick to deflect credit to the guys in front of him.
“The boys played unreal. They did a lot of block shots, like, just pretty good games,” said Askarov.
With San Jose completing the series sweep, Askarov’s energy was light but locked in.
“That’s good, we need to keep it rolling. It’s always great, always fun to win the games, always fun to win series,” said Askarov.
As for the vibe shift back at Tech CU Arena? He’s ready.
“Can’t wait to see, like the home games. Hopefully, it’s gonna be busy. So, can wait. The boy’s gonna be excited,” he said.
Scoring summary San Jose Barracuda at Ontario Reign April 26, 2025
First period
No scoring
Second period
7:40 SJS Anthony Vincent from Colin White
Third period
6:12 ONT Martin Chromiak from Glenn Gawdin and Caleb Jones
17:42 SJS Collin Graf from Ethan Cardwell and Colin White
