Gulls Seek Comeback Win Over Eagles
Mar 14, 2026By Ashley Rubin/SanDiegoGulls.com
The San Diego Gulls and Colorado Eagles are set to battle it out again tonight at Pechanga Arena San Diego (6 p.m. PDT; TV: AHLTV on FloHockey; Radio: Gulls Audio Network).
San Diego and Colorado went head-to-head last night to kick off their four-game series. San Diego put up a tough fight against the Eagles who hold the second place Pacific Division spot. The Gulls did not fall behind until the third period and had held a tie or lead a majority of the game, but the Eagles ultimately walked away with a 6-3 victory after finding more momentum in the third.
"I mean, they're a great team, they're at the top of our division, it seems like every year," Sasha Pastujov said. "But really, I think it's more about us. We got away from our game, so we were dictating for two periods. You let off the gas for a couple minutes, and good teams will make you pay."
In last night’s contest, Ryan Carpenter opened the scoring with his sixth powerplay and 15th overall goal of the season. Judd Caulfield followed, netting his first AHL career powerplay goal to give the Gulls a lead back in the second period. Sasha Pastujov extended his team-leading point count to 42 as he logged both a goal and assist. Calle Clang started in net saving 22-of-27 shots, playing an essential role in keeping the Gulls in the game.
Special Teams have been solid for the Gulls lately. The team has scored goals on the power play in three of their past four contests and are 85.5% on the penalty kill, ranking tied for second in the league. Keeping the momentum going on special teams is important for the Gulls to walk away with some points tonight.
"I think our main focus is just playing a full game," Pastujov said. "Like I said, I thought we played two of our best periods of the year. You could see it. They were frustrated, and then they get a bounce here and there. And you know, we got away from our game. So, I think just playing a full 60 minutes and sticking together, because we know we have it in that room. Just being ultra focused and I think we'll have a better chance."
With the Henderson Silver Knights sitting idle last night, the Gulls are still tied for sixth place in the division. Taking points from the Eagles tonight is essential to keep San Diego in a playoff position.
After tonight’s matchup, the Gulls and Eagles will head over to Colorado to compete in the final two games of their season series at Blue Arena starting Tuesday, Mar. 17 (6:05 p.m. PDT).