It’s amazing what a difference getting four part-time NHL players back in the lineup does. Sherwood, Terry, Comtois, and Lundestrom - and surprise surprise, the Gulls looked like a team that could contend for the playoffs last night against division-leading Tucson. Their previously-struggling power play scored on both ends of a 5-on-3, which was the clear turning point of the game. Tucson’s single goal came on a deflection off a Gulls player’s ankle, and Boyle stood tall several other times. Last night marked the first game of the 2nd half of the season, and the first time ALL SEASON that their record has peeked above .500 - they’ve been at .500 a couple of times, but never above till now.
That makes tonight’s game in Bakersfield pretty important - points-wise, the Gulls sit in 6th, one point behind Bako and two points behind Ontario... but the Gulls have two games in hand on Bako and four games in hand over the Reign, so would be in playoff position if points percentage were used. Either way, a win tonight for the Gulls would put them ahead of Bako, and if that combined with a Tucson win over Ontario, then the Gulls would be in 4th on points as well.
Side note: I’m pleased with the progress and effort of Morand. He’s not necessarily getting on the score sheet a lot, but his willingness to get involved and expend the energy has really been nice to see, and I’m looking forward to see what he looks like as a second-year pro. He’s not necessarily destined for the NHL, but he could have a solid career as a top line AHLer or a bottom-six NHLer if this course continues.