Heat Head into Final Week in Comfortable Spot

It was another really good week for the Stockton Heat as they went 2-0-1 against the best teams in their division. Despite a carousel in the crease with Jon Gillies and David Rittich bouncing up and down between the Heat and the Flames, the Heat managed to keep playing well.

The Heat (33-25-7) have picked up points in eight straight games which has vaulted them three points ahead of the Bakersfield Condors (32-27-6) in the battle for the final playoff spot. Both teams have only three games to go, but one is a head-to-head matchup between the teams.

Stockton’s magic number to clinch is 2.

Last Week’s Results

Wednesday: San Diego Gulls 3 @ Stockton Heat 5

The first period was wild as the teams combined for six goals among them and were tied 3-3 after 20. Hunter Shinkaruk led the way with a hat trick while Linden Vey had three assists. Ryan Lomberg and Mark Jankowski also scored for the Heat. David Rittich made 16 saves on 19 shots in the victory.

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Saturday: San Jose Barracuda 2 @ Stockton Heat 5

Stockton jumped on the Barracuda early, taking a 3-0 lead before San Jose replied with a goal. The Heat eventually took a 4-1 lead to the first intermission. Hunter Shinkaruk had another big night with two goals, while Linden Vey had three assists again. Adam Ollas Mattsson got his first career AHL goal while Mikkel Aagaard and Andrew Mangiapane also scored. Jon Gillies got the win with 31 saves only two nights after his NHL debut.

For a full game recap click here

For game highlights click here

Sunday: Stockton Heat 1 @ San Jose Barracuda 2 (OT)

The fact that the Heat got three out of a possible four points against the top team in the AHL is pretty astounding. What’s more astounding was David Rittich’s 47 SAVES in the overtime loss. He was spectacular on the night after making his NHL debut in the same arena. Captain Mike Angelidis got the tying goal in the third period.

For a full game recap click here

Next Week’s Games

Wednesday: Ontario Reign @ Stockton Heat

Friday: Bakersfield Condors @ Stockton Heat

Saturday: Tuscon Roadrunners @ Stockton Heat

Without a doubt Friday’s game is the biggest of the season as the Heat can clinch a playoff spot with a victory. Stockton’s playoff chances currently sit at 93.9%.

Heat Leading Scorers:

Goals: 27 - Mark Jankowski, 19 - Morgan Klimchuk, 18 - Andrew Mangiapane, Matt Frattin

Assists: 39 - Linden Vey, 27 - Mark Jankowski, 23 - Morgan Klimchuk

Points: 54 - Mark Jankowski, Linden Vey, 42 - Morgan Klimchuk, 39 - Andrew Mangiapane

Stay tuned this week as we’ll try to provide you with Heat updates among the craziness that will be the Stanley Cup Playoffs! Go Heat Go!