San Jose Barracuda ice Stockton Heat 6-4

It was Calgary Flames night in Stockton, as the Heat donned the Flamin’ C jerseys for last night’s bout with San Jose.

But the results did not match the big club, as the Heat were doused by the Barracuda 6-4.

Line combos were the same as the first game:

The first period ended 2-1 with goals from Andrew Mangiapane (Garnet Hathaway and Tyler Wotherspoon with apples) and Hathaway (with helpers from Mangiapane and Mark Jankowski). Mangiapane’s goal was a nice snipe, stick-side high from the circle. Hathaway’s breakaway beat Troy Grosenick 5-hole. Daniel O’Regan, last year’s AHL Player of the Year, scored for the Barracuda. Shots were tied 8-8. Play was not one-sided as the night before, but there still were defensive lapses.

A Jankowski power play tally from Mangiapane and Rasmus Andersson two minutes into the second period put the Heat up 3-1.

But then, the wheels fell off. A few soft goals by Jon Gillies, and the game was tied after two periods, 3-3.

The failure to control the puck, the bad turnovers, and just plain sloppy play in the third is what lead to this loss. San Jose’s fourth goal again was a product of a failed clear and a tired line. Joseph Cramarossa followed up an Andersson shot and tied it up at 4 with 15 minutes left in the game. During a late power play, Wotherspoon pinged the pipe. The puck ended up on Oliver Kylington’s stick at the point. An ill-advised pass ended up in a short-handed goal by Manual Wiederer and, just like that, San Jose back on top.

It appeared that Hathaway had his second goal of the night with 1:59 left, but the refs ruled the cage came off prior to the puck entering the net. This set Jankowski off and he was issued a 10-minute “Abuse of Ref” call. A San Jose empty netter sent me and Mrs. Finest home disappointed.

The top line of Mangiapane, Jankowski, and Hathaway again came to play, but it was SJ’s O’Regan was the top player on the ice last night. Jankowski and Mangiapane looked more polished than last year, until Janko’s outburst at the ref. While he needs to control his temper, it was nice to see him vocal.

Spencer Foo was more physical last night but still needs to let the puck fly. His line, however, was very disappointing, with a combined zero shots on goal. I can’t remember Morgan Klimchuk on the ice at all: I know he was out there but don’t remember one thing he did. He wins this game’s “Claude Raines” award for being invisible.

This team needs to learn to clear the zone. When the Heat have control of the puck, and forwards start to head up the ice, don’t make ill-advised cross ice passes. Ill-advised passes lead to turnovers and bad goals. Especially when Gillies is not on his game.

Head coach Ryan Huska has seven full days to tighten up play and get ready for the defending Calder Cup champs, the Grand Rapids Griffins, next Saturday. See you next Sunday!

Highlights: http://stocktonheat.com/news/highlights-stockton-4-vs-san-jose-6/