2020-2021 Game 32: San Diego Gulls @ Bakersfield Condors

After an intense overtime victory over their cross-town rivals the Gulls hit the road to Bakersfield but hit the ice without their star forward, Trevor Zegras deemed to be “under the weather” as noted by the Gulls twitter account. Olle Eriksson Ek was given the start.

It wasn’t a great start for the Gulls as the Condors McLeod was given too much room to skate behind the net with the puck and sweep in a wrap-around that Eriksson Ek ultimately had no chance on. 1-0 Condors.

The game began to open up as an Axel Andersson mistake at the blueline lead to an odd-man rush that Keegan Lowe made an excellent play to block. That set off a chain reaction of back and forth partial breaks. Benoit Groulx setting up Alex Limoges on a two on one on the counter-break but Stuart Skinner made the toe-save to keep it 1-0.

San Diego settled down after their rough start to close out the period still down by one but only thee behind in shots 13-10.

The games first penalty of the game came just under four minutes into the second period as Jacob Perreault was hauled down in the Condors zone.

The Gulls Power Play was clearly missing its star play-maker as it struggled to get any kind of high danger chance on Skinner while also having slight issues gaining the Condors zone on some occasions.

San Diego couldn’t really get any cycling or decent back to back opportunities on Skinner and things got worse when the Condors took a 2-0 lead. Former Gull Adam Cracknell getting body positioning behind Trevor Carrick and tipping a point shot on a drive-by. 2-0 Condors.

Jacob Perreault drew his second penalty of the game when he was once again pulled down, this time on a dangerous play attempting to come out from behind his own net.

The Gulls Power Play had an even poorer showing than that seen in the first, failing to get set at all during the two minutes and having possession for maybe 60% of it.

The Goulx line had a shift with some sustained pressure that looked like it could carry over to some further momentum but time ran out on the period and the Gulls headed to the second intermission down by two goals but behind by just the one shot. 18-17.

Just as I predicted – the Gulls would need get to on the scoreboard via an odd-man break given the Condors relentless forecheck preventing any sustained pressure in their zone. Chase De Leo obliged – getting behind the Condors defense and taking a pass from Poturalski to score a nice chip-in goal while a Bakersfield defender attempted to swipe the puck away from behind. 2-1 Condors.

Bakersfield hit right back – punishing the Gulls for a lack of back-check and scoring at the far side of the net on a broken play. 3-1 Condors.

San Diego couldn’t seem to catch a break or help themselves as the Condors scored goal after goal – finishing off opportunities and catching the Gulls defense dozing. The Gulls best chances came on a Groulx partial break and a great individual effort from Kodie Curran with the man advantage but by games end the score equally reflected the overall effort put forth by the San Diego squad. 5-1 Condors.

Post Game Notes

Printz Progressing

I wasn’t that high or impressed with Greg Printz after his first game and I admit I did not see the last game as yet but tonight’s game he reminded me a lot of a less polished Chris Kunitz. He still made some glaring mistakes and turnovers but played better as the game went on and was clearly under the skin of the entire Condors bench. If he has or can develop a scoring touch, he could be one to keep an eye on.

Axel Watch

Given this season isn’t entirely about a Calder Cup Championship I try to take positives from games such as this by focusing in on the players that need time to develop. Axel Andersson is one of those. He was caught out of position a lot in this game which wasn’t a great look, but he also showed some nice puck handling skills and his ability to man the point. I’d say overall I wouldn’t write him off just yet, there is something there, it will just take time.

Out-classed and Out-experienced

Bakersfield has one of the more veteran heavy line-ups in the AHL this season so I wouldn’t look at this as a bad loss for the Gulls. They are still missing their Captain, were missing their star forward and their two number one defense men. No idea where Josh Mahura was today but Guhle looks to be out long-term and the Gulls won’t be getting Jamie Drysdale back anytime soon if at all.