HGD 28: Stockton looks to escape loss-win-loss-win pattern in San Diego (8:00 p.m. MT)

Despite going 2–2–0 in their last four games, the Stockton Heat remain atop the AHL’s Pacific Division.

Here’s Stockton’s game log since returning from their 12-day Christmas break:

The Heat will look to escape this “one win, one loss” pattern on Friday when they take on the San Diego Gulls on the road in Pechanga Arena.

San Diego currently ranks ninth (and last) in the Pacific Division with a 9–12–1 record, having lost three consecutive games in regulation. The Heat are 3–0–0 against the Gulls this season, outscoring them by a combined 13–5 margin in their three meetings.

Stockton won its most recent game off the back of a balanced attack. First-line forwards @Matthew Phillips and @Glenn Gawdin both tallied in the first period, followed by goals later in the game from depth defenceman @Greg Moro and checking forwards @Eetu Tuulola and @Justin Kirkland.

@Adam Werner was the goaltender of record in Wednesday’s win. The 24-year-old Swede made 24 saves on 26 shots for his first win since Nov. 12.

If @Dustin Wolf returns to the crease on Friday, he’ll do so in search of a victory following his first regulation loss of the season. Wolf stopped 22 of 24 shots in Stockton’s 2–1 loss to Tucson on Jan. 4 and fell to 15–1–2  on the year with the defeat.

@Jakob Pelletier – @Glenn Gawdin – @Matthew Phillips
@Eetu Tuulola – @Connor Zary – @Martin Pospisil
@Justin Kirkland – @Luke Philp – @Walker Duehr
@Alex Gallant – @Ryan Olsen

@Dustin Wolf
@Adam Werner

@Brayden Tracey – Danny O’Regan – @Jacob Perreault
@Alex Limoges – @Bryce Kindopp – @Hunter Drew
@Maxim Golod – @Benoit-Olivier Groulx – @Buddy Robinson
@Greg Printz – @Jack Badini – @Vincent Marleau

@Nikolas Brouillard – @Greg Pateryn
@Brendan Guhle – @Brogan Rafferty
@Trevor Carrick – @Axel Andersson

@Lukas Dostal
@Jeff Glass

Stockton — @Jakob Pelletier (11 goals, 28 points); @Glenn Gawdin (10 goals, 26 points); @Matthew Phillips (10 goals, 23 points); @Luke Philp (eight goals, 17 points); @Connor Mackey (three goals, 15 points).

San Diego — @Jacob Perreault (eight goals, 17 points); @Brayden Tracey (seven goals, 17 points); @Nikolas Brouillard (three goals, 13 points); Danny O’Regan (four goals, 13 points); @Bryce Kindopp (two goals, 10 points).

Stockton — With @Andy Welinski injured, @Connor Mackey spent much of Wednesday’s game playing on the right side. The 25-year-old has yet to stick consistently on the left side at the NHL level but he might be able to find his way easier in the big leagues if he shows an ability to play on the right. The Heat went with seven defencemen in Tucson and might do the same in San Diego.

San Diego — The Gulls have been led this season by two first-round draft prospects. One of them is 2001-born Calgary product @Brayden Tracey, who currently sits in a tie with @Jacob Perreault for the Gulls team lead with 17 points in 22 games. Like Stockton star @Matthew Phillips, Tracey is a Victoria Royals alumnus who is among those driving the bus for his team on offence.

Friday’s game in San Diego will be broadcast on AHL TV (subscription required) and on Spreaker (audio only), with the opening puck-drop set for 8:00 p.m. MT.

FlamesNation contributor Paige Siewert will provide live game updates on her Twitter account. Additionally, you’ll be able to follow along at TheAHL.com.

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