Bulls Game Day Preview
San Francisco Bulls (17-23-1-6, eighth place, Western Conference) vs.
Bakersfield Condors (14-33-2-3, ninth place, Western Conference)

 

When: Saturday, February 9 at 7:15 pm
Where: Cow Palace
Listen: KNBR.com
Watch: Comcast Hometown Network (Channel 104), Americaonesports.com
Promotion: San Jose Sharks-themed Jersey Night, Poster Giveaway

By: Emily Zahner

Tonight’s Matchup: The San Francisco Bulls (17-23-1-6) return home to the Cow Palace tonight to battle the last place Bakersfield Condors (14-33-2-3) in a two-game set. This is the ninth of 12 matchups between the two Pacific Division rivals this season, with the Bulls leading the season tilt 5-2-1-0. The last time these two in-state rivals faced off, the Condors stunned the Bulls with a 4-2 win at the Cow Palace on January 13. Kris Belan and Peter Sivak scored for the Bulls that night.

The Bulls mounted an incredible comeback last night against the league-leading Ontario Reign (35-11-1-2) at Citizens Business Bank Arena. After being down 3-0 midway through the third period, Dean Ouellet began the surge with his 23rd goal of the season with 8:36 remaining in regulation, assisted by Christian Ouellet. Jordan Morrison brought the Bulls within one with 3:57 to go when he poked the puck past Ontario’s netminder, Chris Carrozzi. With just 39 seconds left in regulation, Cody Carlson tied the game and sent the teams into overtime. Neither team was able to find the back of the net, and the game went to a shootout. After seven rounds tied 2-2, the Reign’s Brady Calla got the game winner. The Bulls went home with a point and their confidence high after an impressive performance against the league’s best team.

Alternate Captain Jordan Morrison has been a consistent force for the Bulls this season, particularly since the trade of captain Justin Bowers.  In the 10 games since Bowers’ departure, Morrison has posted seven points, three goals and four assists. Morrison has stepped up as of late, leading the team on and off the ice with his play and leadership.

Marek Viedensky returned to the Bulls active roster last night after being sidelined by a knee injury. Prior to his injury he was producing at a point-per-game pace, with seven goals and nine assists in 16 games. Last night he registered three shots on goal as he works his way back into the lineup. Hans Benson completed his one game suspension and is eligible to return for tonight’s game.

Bakersfield has a steady hold on last place in the Western Conference with 33 points, eight points behind the Bulls. San Francisco, with 41 points, is just two points behind the Utah Grizzlies, who lost to 5-4 in overtime to the Idaho Steelheads, last night.

The Bulls begin their brief two-game home stand against the Bakersfield Condors. The puck drops tonight at 7:15 pm and 2:15 pm on Sunday. San Francisco will be wearing specialty San Jose Sharks-themed teal jerseys. These commemorative jerseys will be raffled and auctioned off, during and after the game. All fans in attendance will receive a poster, presented by Stayingahead.com, featuring players donning the teal jerseys. Get your tickets now at SFBulls.com.

 

Bulls Leaders

Goals: Dean Ouellet – 23

Assists: Rob Kwiet – 21

Points: Peter Sivak/Dean Ouellet – 41

Plus/Minus: Scott Langdon – +11

PIM: Kris Belan – 114

Wins: Thomas Heemskerk – 11

GAA: Thomas Heemskerk – 3.25

Save %: Thomas Heemskerk – 0.900

Shutouts: N/A

 

Who’s Hot

Dean Ouellet – 10 points (6g, 4a) in the past 10 games

Cody Carlson – 9 points (3g, 6a) in the past 10 games

 

Recent Transactions

02/07/2013 Colin Reddin (F)        ADD Activated from Reserves

02/07/2013 Rylan Galiardi (F)       DEL Placed on Reserves

 

Bakersfield Leaders

Goals: Peter Boyd – 16

Assists: Francis Verreault – 26

Points: Peter Boyd – 26

Plus/Minus: CJ Stretch – +23

PIM: Brett Lyon – 131

Wins: Scott Greenham – 10

GAA: Scott Greenham – 3.34

Save %: Scott Greenham – 0.909%

Shutouts: Scott Greenham – 1

 

Recent Bakersfield Transactions

02/08/2013  Jacob Lagace (F) ADD Reassigned by Buffalo (NHL) from Rochester (AHL)

02/08/2013  Manny Martinez (G) Added emergency backup

02/08/2013  T.J. Fast (D) ADD Signed to SPC

02/08/2013  Tyson Gimblett (D) DEL Traded to Florida

 

Who’s Hot

Nicholas Tremblay – 11 points (6g, 5a) in the past 11 games

Francis Verreault – 10 points (4g, 6a) in the past 10 games