The Heat week that was: So much for that winning streak

After winning three games in a row, the Stockton Heat played just two games this past week – and they lost both, so so much for that win streak. They remain at the bottom of the Pacific Division standings, and three games below .500.

Two goals by Morgan Klimchuk and Kenny Agostino in the first period gave the Heat a 2-0 lead. Even though San Jose scored in the second period to cut that lead in half, a Derek Grant tally not even two minutes later allowed them to maintain that two goal lead, and enter the third period up 3-1.

But the Heat weren’t able maintain that lead. The Barracuda scored early in the third to once again make it a one-goal game. A late high-sticking penalty by Brett Kulak eventually led to San Jose’s game-tying goal in the final minute, forcing overtime. The Heat were outshot 16-9 in the third, but had the advantage 35-33 through regulation.

It was only the Barracuda who got any shots in over time, though, including Nikolay Goldobin’s game winner.

Standouts in the shot department: Agostino with seven and Grant with six; to his credit, while he didn’t score, Emile Poirier had four shots on net as well.

Kevin Poulin returned to the net to stop 32 of 36 shots for a .889 save percentage. 

Um, oops?

This was actually a rather symmetrical game on the scoreboard. First the Reign scored three goals, then, late in the second, Drew Shore scored for the Heat, and then the Reign scored another three goals. The Heat didn’t seem to be good in any type of play, as two of Ontario’s goals were at even strength, two were on the power play, and two were on the penalty kill.

Joni Ortio was back in net, stopping 29 of the 35 shots he faced. The Heat only had 24 shots on net themselves, with Dustin Stevenson leading the way with four.