Gulls at Barracuda Preview: Defend Cuda Country
The ‘Cuda have made SAP Center a fortress this season. Can they keep it up against an inconsistent Gulls squad?
After once again going into Stockton Arena and defeating their Northern California rivals in the Stockton Heat on Saturday Night, the San Jose Barracuda will return home for a Monday night matchup against their rivals to the south, the San Diego Gulls.
San Jose has made the SAP Center the toughest place to play in the AHL so far this season. At home, they boast a 6-1-1 record, currently the best in the AHL in terms of points percentage. Conversely, the Gulls have not had the best season away from San Diego. On the road, they are 2-3-0, putting them in the bottom five in terms of point percentage.
The Gulls will be without the services of their leading goal-scorer, Sam Carrick, tonight. Carrick was suspended for three games by the AHL for an illegal hit to the head while playing the Manitoba Moose on Friday night. In his absence, look for Luke Gazdic or Kalle Kossila to draw into the lineup for the Gulls.
Antoine Bibeau got the call in goal on Saturday night, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Josef Korenar guarding the goal tonight. In nine starts so far this season, Korenar sports a goals against average of almost exactly 2 (2.02) and a .927 save percentage, the second best in the AHL for rookie goaltenders.
Tonight’s game can be found on AHLTV, as per usual. You can also listen to the action on AM 1220 KDOW or by using the Sharks + SAP Center app.