The San Diego Gulls lost 5-2 in Game 5 of the American Hockey League’s Western Conference Finals Saturday, forcing the series against the Chicago Wolves back to Chicago.
It was the last game of the series to be played at Pechanga Arena in San Diego. The Gulls, now trailing in the series 3-2, must win two games on the road if they are to prevail in the best-of-seven series in the Calder Cup playoffs.
“Obviously, this isn’t the position we wanted to be in leaving three games at home, but that’s where we’re at. We have to embrace the opportunity and move forward, not dwell on this one … Hopefully, we’ll be playing two games by the end of this week,” said Gulls right wing Adam Cracknell.
Game 6 will be played Monday in Rosemont, Ill. Game 7, if necessary, would be played Wednesday, also at the Wolves’ home, Allstate Arena.
“We’ll shake it off. These games are tight. Every one of them is going to be tight. The good thing for our team is we’ve been good on the road in these playoffs,” coach Dallas Eakins said.
The Gulls lost to the Wolves, 2-1, in Game 4 Friday with Daniel Carr scoring in the second overtime to tie the series at two games.
The support has been strong for the Gulls in San Diego, where the crowd was announced at 12,147, the largest of the playoffs.
The Gulls are the Anaheim Ducks’ AHL affiliate, while the Wolves are the Vegas Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate.
–City News Service and staff reports
Updated 10:25 p.m. May 25, 2019