Very important win for San Diego, only 5 points out of a playoff spot as it stands. Realistically they have to win at least 15 of their last 23 games to have a shot at the playoffs but they are playing some decent enough hockey at the moment.
Gulls started slow and Condors controlled first half of the first period, with Dansk making quite a few saves. Better second half of the first period from the Gulls, Colangelo had a good chance from the faceoff circle, and then Gulls hit the post and then had a shot cleared off the line on the PP after a great interchange between Pasta and Bailey.
Second period was a bit of a similar story to start but I'd say Gulls were the stronger team overall, Sidorov got the opening goal on the PP after a great puck retrieval by Mysak. Gulls gave the goal straight back after a Hinds giveaway (I'll expand on this later), lead to the puck being held in and a shot ripped home from the point. Gulls got right back up to 2-1, Colangelo good pressure behind the net leads to the turnover, Luneau keeps in the clear attempt, passes it to McKeown who one times it home.
Third period was all Bakersfield, Gulls were hemmed in constantly and Dansk made several outstanding saves to keep the Gulls up. Got a couple of empty net goals late to seal it.
1st star: Dansk
2nd star: Caggiula
3rd star: Sidorov
Dansk obviously was the best Gull really has steadied the team recently in net and looks much better then he did earlier this season.
I thought Nesterenko had a solid game, he's looking very good as a two way forward on the Gaucher-Caufield line, that makes it a proper shutdown line for the Gulls. I was particularly impressed with some of his PK work in this one, had a really active stick and broke up several plays on the PK and managed to get clears (especially in the 3rd period). I hope the Gulls keep going with this and continue to develop him as a two way forward, as he looks much better in that role, then a scoring role.
Sidorov-Mysak-Pasta line was quite decent too, Sidorov took about a period and a half to really get going again, but I hope even after Meyer is back they keep them together, as they aren't afraid to shoot as a line and generate some pretty decent chances. It was good to see Sidorov throwing his body around a bit too.
In terms of Hinds, it was another frustrating moment from him when it comes to the puck and just dumb giveaways leading to chances. Hinds has the puck here under minimal pressure, Gaucher (17) is the open option (the second Bakersfield defenceman off screen is just past the blue line) and is the obviousoption you should be hitting to get an easy zone clear. Passing lane to Myatovic (bottom of screen) is clearly shut, especially as any forward that is half decent is going to ensure that cross ice pass can't be made.
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Hinds despite this, fires it through the middle of the Gulls zone looking for Myatovic, resulting in an easy interception for I believe it was Derek Ryan, and Condors score about 10 seconds later, especially as due to the interception Gaucher, Myatovic are effectively scrambling from that point as they were both looking to push up the ice for a 2v2.
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This are the sort of moments Hinds still has regularly so far this season, that makes me not be a massive believer in him. He just doesn't see the ice well at all and turns the puck over way too many times in situations he shouldn't be. He's young, but I worry when players are making mistakes like this when they are already a couple of years into pro hockey, as it's not really something that can be massively improved.
It's why I like Warren more as a defenceman, he understands his limitations and pretty much always goes for the simple option, it's a trait that will see him be an NHL regular for me.
Granted I know sweet f*** all, and Hinds will probably come up to the NHL and look like a world beater while Warren goes nowhere, but it's just my thoughts watching them both with the Gulls.
Another game v Bakersfield tomorrow coming up for the Gulls.
