AHL San Diego Gulls

Gulls Top Cleveland in OT 4-3

Published on March 24, 2018 under American Hockey League (AHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release


The San Diego Gulls defeated the Cleveland Monsters 4-3 in overtime at Quicken Loans Arena. San Diego erased 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to mark their 15th comeback win of the season. The Gulls have now earned standings points in eight of their last 10 games (5-2-2-1) and 16 of the last 20 overall (13-4-2-1). The Gulls also improved to 24-0-1-1 when scoring four goals or more. San Diego also improved to 16-6-2-0 (.708%) all-time against the Central Division and have wins in 11 of their last 13 games (11-1-1-0) against Central Division opponents.

San Diego killed the lone Cleveland power play, and over the last 12 games the Gulls have successfully killed 40 of 43 (93.0%) opposition power plays and have not allowed a power-play goal in 16 of their last 20 games (65-for-70, 92.9%). San Diego has not allowed a power-play goal in 10 of the last 11 road contests (37-for-39, 94.9%).

Kiefer Sherwood scored the game-winning goal in overtime to seal the victory in his professional debut. Sherwood, a native of Columbus, Ohio, signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks on Mar. 20 after three seasons at Miami University of Ohio.

Jacob Larsson scored his third goal of the season at 1:54 of the third period and earned two assists for his first career three-point game (1-2=3). Originally selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round (27th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft, Larsson earned his third multi-point effort of the season and now has 2-6=8 points in his last 10 contests.

Corey Tropp scored his 15th goal of the season and 100th point as a Gull at 12:00 of the second period to level the score at 2-2 on the power play. The goal also marked his team-leading ninth on the power play. The club's all-time leader in scoring (41-59=100), Tropp became the first Gull to reach the 100-point milestone in his 117th game for San Diego.

Austin Ortega scored his third goal of the season at 15:09 of the first period and added an assist on Tropp's power-play goal for his first career multi-point game (1-1=2).

Kalle Kossila tallied his team-leading 45th point (assist on game-winning goal) of the season. Kossila has 16-29=45 points in 45 games this season.

Reto Berra made 30 saves to earn his third win in as many starts. Berra is 3-0-0 his last four games with one shutout, a 1.26 goals-against average (GAA) and .963 save percentage (SV%). He is also 11-4-2 with two shutouts, a 2.26 GAA and .936 SV% his last 18 games.

POSTGAME QUOTES

San Diego Gulls

Kiefer Sherwood

On his game-winning goal in overtime

I saw Kossila was coming, I called for it before the play, and he made that play and I knew when the scramble was coming, I knew he was going to find me because he is such a great player and such a head's up player. I was calling for it, and when the whole thing went down, I knew the goalie was going to dive and the defenseman was going to go down. I just made sure to put it past them.

On growing up playing hockey in Ohio

It was a great team win and my linemates helped me adjust in my first game. Other than that, just play the game the right way.

On jumping right into the lineup

It's definitely an honor and a privilege. I'm just trying to take it all in make the most of my opportunity. The guys have obviously been very successful this year and I'm just trying to do my part to contribute. This is a fun time where everything counts. I think things are going in the right direction and hopefully we can make a playoff push.

Jacob Larsson

On the game

We needed those two points. In the end it's the win that counts. It was a weird game, it was up and down. We're happy we got the win.

On his goal

I got it from (Nattinen) from the faceoff, shot the puck and tried to hit the net. I thought it was going over at first but it was nice that it went in.

On the team's resiliency

We know there's going to be tight games. A lot of teams are fighting for playoff spots and we just have to be our best every night and try to win every game.

Head Coach Dallas Eakins

On the game

Obviously they're big (points) when there's not a lot of games left. A game where I thought we played well overall, but Cleveland is a team that hangs around and hangs around. Getting that late goal for them gave them a little spark. Overall I really liked our game, the commitment to our system.

On overcoming multiple deficits

It's something that we've hammered home all year. It's always just about today and it's always about the moment. Those kind of things happen, a goal gets scored against you late. 'What are you going to do about it?' We try to take what we need from that unfortunate moment and move on. If we're stay back in a negative mindset, we're not ready for our next opportunity. I think our group has made massive strides this year in that regard.

On Jacob Larsson

(He) has just been fun to watch. Really fun to watch him grow throughout the season after a really tough start to the season with an injury.

Kiefer Sherwood

With Kiefer Sherwood coming in you're never sure what you're going to get. But we did notice right away though the first couple days of practice that he's a worker, he's asking lots of questions which is great. I thought he just played a really solid game. What a way to finish off your first game as a pro.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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