San Diego Looks to Rebound in Bakersfield
Apr 11, 2026
By Ashley Rubin/SanDiegoGulls.com
The San Diego Gulls will close out their regular season series with the Bakersfield Condors tonight at Dignity Health Arena (7 p.m. PDT: AHLTV on FloHockey; Radio: Gulls Audio Network).
San Diego and Bakersfield battled it out last night where the Gulls ultimately could not pull out the win. With last night’s loss and the Tucson Roadrunners defeating the Colorado Eagles, the Gulls were unable to clinch their playoff spot.
"I think it's just regrouping," Roger McQueen said. "And I think everyone knows. I think it was obviously one of our off games. So just regrouping as a team, talking it out, and then come back tomorrow as a new team. I think just going back to those last three or four games we've won in a row, and just kind of going back to the basics and playing like that. So, I think we know what we need to do."
Last night’s contest saw Roger McQueen’s first professional goal to open up the scoring. McQueen has found 1-2=3 points in his first three AHL starts, tallying a point per game.
"Big guy with ability, play making ability," head coach Matt McIlvane said. "He's obviously seen the shot, but he's going to be a guy that's going to have success at this level."
Justin Bailey found his 23rd goal of the season and Sasha Pastujov found his 21st. Calle Clang protected the crease, saving 28-of-33 shots. The Gulls’ efforts were not enough as the Condors came out on top, 5-3.
"We set ourselves up with that today to respond tomorrow, so there's nothing more to think about but an opportunity to respond," McIlvane said.
The Gulls will skate in just three more games after tonight. Points are essential as the team looks to make their first appearance in the postseason since the 2021-22 season. The clinching scenarios remain the same as last night. San Diego must take a win, and the Tucson Roadrunners must lose to the Colorado Eagles in any capacity or San Diego must earn an overtime point and Tucson lose in regulation.
After tonight the Gulls will travel back home to take on the Tucson Roadrunners at Pechanga Arena San Diego (7 p.m. PDT)