Barracuda advance with sweep of Reign

ONTARIO — Collin Graf scored the game winning goal with 2:18 left in the game as the San Jose Barracuda defeated the Ontario Reign 2-1 in Game 2 of the Pacific Division first round series on Saturday evening at Crypto.com Arena.

The sixth seeded San Jose swept the third seeded Ontario two games to none as they won their first playoff series since 2017. The Barracuda will play the division winner Colorado Eagles in the semifinals of the Pacific Division Playoffs.

Ethan Cardwell set up Graf’s heroics when he centered a pass out to Graf who beat Reign goalie Phoenix Copley with a sliding backhander for his first goal of the playoffs. Collin White received the secondary assist on the play.

“Cards (Cardwell) used his speed that he’s always had, sort of drew two guys to him and made a nice centering pass. I just whacked it in the net, Graf said.

The first period was scoreless as San Jose had two power play opportunities compared to just one for Ontario. Neither team was able to find pay dirt as both penalty kills were dominant in the opening 20 minutes.

Early in the second period was where the momentum shifted toward the Barracuda. Cuda goalie Alexander Askarov made a point-blank save on Martin Chromiak who was camped out in front of the crease when Charles Hudon threw the puck at the net just under seven minutes into the middle frame.

“Askarov was great, I thought he won the game for us,” Barracuda head coach McCarthy said.

Less than a minute later, San Jose (2-0) drew first blood. Cuda captain Jimmy Schuldt sent the puck down to the goal line. White centered the puck from behind the net to Anthony Vincent who beat Copley with a one-timer to the short side for his first goal of the playoff at the 7:40 mark.

“In every game, there’s momentum swings and you just want to do your best on the bench as a team to not get too excited or too down on each other. I thought we handled their push and pushed back and we did a great job with that," Vincent said.

Ontario (0-2) answered back in the third period with an even strength goal. Glenn Gawdin centered the puck over to Chromiak in the high slot. Chromiak beat Askarov with a one-timer for his first goal of the playoffs at the 6:12 mark.

The Reign pulled Copley with under two minutes left in the game for an extra attacker. However, San Jose bent but didn’t break as they kept Ontario from scoring the equalizer and escaped Southern California with a series win.

“Especially the way the game went, we found a way in the third period,” added McCarthy. “We give them that goal but everybody came together, overcame the obstacle and it was fun to watch. ”I’m happy for our group, that’s a lively locker room in there, they should be really proud of themselves."

Askarov finished the game stopping 29 of the 30 shots he faced for his second win of the playoffs and first series win. Copley made 23 saves on 25 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 0-for-3 on the power play. Ontario went 0-for-4.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Askarov (29 SV/30SA), 2) Graf (1G,0A) 3) Chromiak (1G,0A).