Nov 22, 2024
By Nick Aguilera/SanDiegoGulls.com
The San Diego Gulls made it a game with the reigning Western Conference Champions, but couldn’t find the final goal, falling 3-2 in overtime to the Coachella Valley Firebirds Friday night at Acrisure Arena.
It was the Sasha Pastujov show in the first period, as he scored twice to open the scoring, his first two goals since being recalled from Tulsa of the ECHL. He first sneaked a squeaker through the pads of goaltender Nikke Kokko before roofing a beautiful short side shot over Kokko’s glove. It marks his second career AHL multi-goal game.
“For him to be able to step in and contribute, it’s a big deal,” head coach Matt McIlvane said. “The hard thing for guys to understand is that when you go [Tulsa], you’re going there for a reason… It gave him an opportunity to play a lot, play in a lot of different situations. Gave him an opportunity to lead a team and be able to carry some of his confidence back with him.”
The second was uneventful until the Firebirds’ Eduard Sale put one past Calle Clang to bring the Firebirds back within one with just under five minutes left in the frame. San Diego couldn’t find their footing offensively in the middle frame, peppering Kokko with just three shots.
Coachella Valley tied the game in the third after Jani Nyman scored the equalizer on the power play early in the period. No one could crack the code in regulation, leading to free hockey.
It only took a minute into the extra frame for the Firebirds to score, as Gustav Olofsson capitalized on San Diego turnover and put the game to bed with his second goal of the season.
Clang was spectacular in net despite the loss, making 37-of-40 saves on the night.
“He was incredible,” Pastujov said. “I mean, especially in that second period. We got outshot four to one, and he was great. And there’s no other word for it than incredible. He’s the reason we had a chance tonight, the reason we got a point.”
Tyson Hinds was the lone Gull other than Pastujov to find the scoresheet, as he picked up his first assist of the season.
The Gulls will have a quick turnaround to close out the weekend, as they return to Pechanga Arena San Diego tomorrow night to face the Ontario Reign for the first time this season (6 p.m. PST).
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