The Save-On-Foods Oceanside Generals picked up their first road win of the season as they beat the Comox Valley Glacier Kings 6-4 Monday.
Defenseman Josh Harvey, (one goal, two assists) and forward Mathieu Jallabert, (2, 1) each had three points in the game, with forwards Travis Flug, Jordan Bautista and Cameron Nickerson each picking up a pair of points in the victory.
The first win on the road couldn’t have come at a better time, as the team has one more game away before the end of the regular season. After that, the Gens will travel to take on the Peninsula Panthers in the wild card playoff game on Monday.
“We’re gonna watch some more video ahead of that game,” head coach Rob Gaudreault said. “We have a lot of hockey in between now and then, practices included so we will try and find the time to watch some game film on them.”
Last Saturday, the Gens looked good for the opening period, but lost 5-2 to the Campbell River Storm who are battling with the Victoria Cougars for first place in the league.
The Gens have been playing short handed with injuries to forwards Jarrett Weme and Chase Gaudreault, and defenseman David Biagioni. It’s left the Gens short handed but it gives players more ice time.
“Guys are getting out there every minute, if not sooner,” Gaudreault said. “It gives players a chance to get their legs real fast and get the feel for the game. Of course, it’s tough being short handed because it’s nice having that extra bit of rest but it’s a chance for more ice time and more time to compete out there.”
Wednesday night, the Gens were in action for their final road game of the regular season against the Westshore Wolves (score not available). They return home for their final game of the regular season against the Nanaimo Buccaneers (7:30 p.m. Saturday at Oceanside Place).
With the wild card game on the horizon, the Gens know they can’t look past the rest of the regular season but it’s on their mind.
“We know it’s there but we can’t look past the remaining games,” forward Mathieu Jallabert said. “We just need to make sure that we get a few things together before we even get there, so there’s still work to be done. We’ll try and get it together here and bring our best game when the time comes.”
Seeing his fair share of rubber this season, goaltender David Anderson has been getting some extra practice in and it’s starting to show for the California native.
“It’s been a big help, for sure, every little bit helps,” Anderson said. “It’s always better to be busy in the games, facing a lot of shots. The extra practice has really helped and I feel it’s put me in a better spot to help the team out.”