Lerg Ties The Game Late But Barracuda Fall 3-2 In Overtime

Mar 16, 2016

San Jose, CA – Captain Bryan Lerg forced overtime with an extra attacker goal late in the third period but the San Jose Barracuda (26-21-7-3, 62pts) presented by Barracuda Networks dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to the Ontario Reign (36-14-4-1, 77pts) in front 3,591 fans at SAP Center on Wednesday night in game two of a season long six game home stand.

Joel Rumpel (1-0-1) made 13 saves in his second career AHL start while Jeremy Langlois and Bryan Lerg scored in regulation.  Vincent LoVerde won the game for the Reign just 23 seconds into the overtime frame as Peter Budaj made 28 saves in net for the win.

The Barracuda took charge in the first period outshooting the Reign 12-2 and broke out to a 1-0 lead.  Jeremy Langlois (10th) fired home a Jeremy Morin rebound past goaltender Peter Budaj at 12:25 for the only score in the frame.  Alex Gallant (11th FM) took down Ryan Horvat (11th FM) in a one sided fight at 14:48 as San Jose looked impressive in the first 20 minutes of play.

Netminder Joel Rumpel had a strong second period for the Barracuda but the Reign were able to tie the score at 12:54 after a tip in front of the net by Michael Mersch (22nd) on the power play. Shots were 8-6 in favor of the Reign in the middle frame as the game was tied 1-1 headed into the second intermission.

The Reign would take the lead at 10:21 of the third period as Adrian Kempe (10th) fired home a one timer on the power play.  With Joel Rumpel on the bench for the extra attacker, captain Bryan Lerg (17th) tied the score at 19:27 to force overtime.  San Jose outshot Ontario 12-4 in the third period and held a 30-14 advantage through 60 minutes of play.

Vincent LoVerde (11th) won the game just 23 seconds in to the overtime period as he chipped a quick shot past Joel Rumpel to give Ontario the 3-2 road win.

Notes: Notes: Three Stars: 3rd star Adrian Kempe (1-0-1) 2nd star: Bryan Lerg (1-0-1) 1st star: Vincent LoVerde (GWG)….Final shots were 30-16 in favor of San Jose… Peter Budaj (34-10-4) made 28 saves on 30 shots for Ontario….Joel Rumpel (1-0-1) made 13 saves on 16 shots for San Jose in his 2nd career AHL start…. Aaron Dell served as the backup goalie for the Barracuda….San Jose went 0-for-5 on the power play while Ontario went 2-for-4…. Troy Grosenick, Raffi Torres (IR), Rick Pinkston, Danny Doremus, Patrick McNally, Frazer McLaren, and Barclay Goodrow (inj) and did not dress for the Barracuda…Micheal Haley and Dylan DeMelo were both in the lineup for the Barracuda…the Barracuda are now 0-1-1-0 on their season long six game homestand…. Alex Gallant now has a team high 11 fighting majors in just 19 games….Dylan DeMelo and Jeremy Morin each had an assist.

Coming up…. 
On Saturday, the Barracuda host the Iowa Wild at SAP Center at 6pm on Nikolay Goldobin bobblehead night presented by San Pedro Market.  The original start time was 7:30pm. Doors will open at 5:15pm at SAP Center with the first 4,000 fans receiving a Nikolay Goldobin bobblehead presented by San Pedro Square Market. March 19th marks the 12th of 13 San Jose Barracuda and San Jose Sharks doubleheaders at SAP Center this season.  The San Jose Sharks host the New York Rangers at 1pm. Fans must have a separate ticket for both games.  

The Barracuda game can be heard live on AM 1220 KDOW (@am1220kdow) with coverage beginning at 5:50pm. Listen to every game live for free on KDOW.biz or AHL Live. Join the game day conversation on Facebook and follow the game on Twitter by following @SJBarracuda.

Group tickets are on sale now by contacting the Barracuda Office at 408-977-4747 or by crashing the net at www.SJBarracuda.com.