'CUDA KEEP PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE WITH 6-2 WIN AT STOCKTON

Apr 6, 2018

Stockton, CA - The San Jose Barracuda (30-26-4-4) used a balanced attack on Friday at Stockton Arena, getting goals from six different scorers to take down the Stockton Heat(32-26-2-4), 6-4.
 
Manny Wiederer (8) netted the only goal of the opening period as he pinballed a shot from just above the goal line in the right corner off David Rittich and in at 9:20.
 
In the second, Noah Rod (1) potted his first AHL goal in the seventh game of his career as he lifted a backhand-shot from close range under the crossbar at 9:20. Rudolfs Balcers (21) continued his stellar rookie campaign and made it 3-0 'Cuda when he followed up his shot and beat Rittich along the bottom of the left circle at 13:47. A minute later, Mike McMurtry (5) poked in a loose puck from the San Jose crease to make it 3-1 at 14:47.
 
In the third, Tim Heed (1) wired a power-play bomb in from the left point to extend the Barracuda lead back up to three just 50 seconds into the final period. After relentless pressure from San Jose, Rourke Chartier (6) sniped a wrist shot short side from the left wing at 13:30, snapping a 12-game goalless drought. Ryan Lomberg (10) tipped in a Tyler Wotherspoon point shot at 16:40 for the Heat, but Ivan Chekhovich (2) sealed the victory with an empty-netter at 17:44.
 
Stephon Williams (2-1-0) earn the win by making 20 saves, while Rittich (7-4-0) suffered the loss after allowing five goals on 21 shots.
 
BOX SCORE