(Apologies; didn’t realize this wasn’t posted last week!)
First game for the Barracuda. At Home. Season opener.
Rockford is starting their season on the road. Here in SJ Friday, and in Stockton on Saturday.
Barracuda Preview | Friday Ice Report (preview with Sommer)
(No, it’s not the first AHL regular season game in San Jose. During the 2004-05 NHL lockout, the Sharks brought their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Barons to HP Pavilion on November 9, 2004; playing AHL Edmonton.)
AHL game summary | Barracuda recap
The Good: Perfect PK. 50% PP.
The Bad: Nerves, bad bounces, poor positioning.
The Ugly: 2-4 loss in first ever game.
The veterans kept the game from getting totally out of control, while the rookies (including McNally, Goldobin, Jevpalovs) and some young players (including Mueller) had some issues of looking for a perfect shot/pass/positioning, getting out of position to avoid a hit, etc.
Sommer does not have a perfect club, so there will be things to work on, including some better 5×5 offense, as both goals were scored on the PP. (Now, Rockford does have a top goalie with some NHL experience, but you have to be able to win against all comers.)
Team will take a couple of days after Friday’s game to head out for some team bonding while camping.
Emanuelsson and Karlson did not play as they continue to recover.