The Gulls, entered Friday night trying to shake a five-game losing skid, faced off against the Iowa Wild for the second time in three days.
Iowa scored first on a power play goal from Gerald Mayhew, ending a three-game streak in which the Gulls had not allowed a power play goal. Connor Dewar put the Iowa Wild up by two 16:38 into the first period. San Diego out shot Iowa 10-7 in the period, but the Wild enjoyed a 2-0 lead.
The Gulls chipped away at the Wild lead in the second period. Sam Carrick scored to extend his goal streak to five. Troy Terry got his name on the score sheet with an assist in his first game of the year with the Gulls. Terry returned from the Ducks after playing 41 games with the Gulls last season (16G, 25A). Gulls tied the game at two a piece with a shot from Josh Mahura that was tipped in by Chris Mueller for the goal. Wild outshot the Gulls 10-9, however the Gulls ended the period with a couple of opportunities, but unable to score on Wild goal tender Mat Robson.
Gulls continued the momentum with a quick score to start the third period. Mahura, from the corner blocked a shot and hit a streaking Carrick to put the Gulls on top for the first lead of the night. Sam Anas tied the game at 5:28 into the period. Mid-way through the period, the Gulls went on a 7-0 shooting streak and put 14 shots-on-goal to Wild’s 7 shots.
In overtime, Josh Mahura on a one-on-one, went top right to put the Gulls in the win column for the first time since December 27. Anthony Stolarz saved 28 of 31 shots in the win, including seven shots in just 46 seconds of overtime play.
San Diego Gulls will play once again on Saturday, ending a five game home stand. Division rival Ontario Reign will visit Pechanga Arena for the eighth game between the two teams this season (Gulls 3-3-1-0). Opening faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
Third StarAnthony Stolarz, SD (28svs/31sh)
Second Star
Sam Carrick, SD (2G 0A 4Sh)
First Star
Josh Mahura, SD (1G 2A 3Sh)