Bullfrogs Battle Back for Victory

If there was anyone in the Bullfrogs’ locker room who did not know how the team played while falling behind San Jose by two goals in the first half Wednesday night, Bullfrog Coach Brad McCaughey set the record straight.

“I told them I thought the first half was pathetic,” he said. “To show up and play like that, especially in our rink to a team we’ve lost three times to, was unacceptable.”

The Bullfrogs must have paid attention to the lecture because they came out in the second half and rallied to defeat San Jose, 6-4, before an announced crowd of 2,194 at the Arrowhead Pond. The Bullfrogs moved into sole possession of first place in the Western Conference, two points ahead of tonight’s opponent, Las Vegas.

The Bullfrogs controlled the entire third period. Jason MacIntyre scored 1:56 into the third to cut the deficit to 3-2. The Bullfrogs tied the score with 3:44 left in the period when Darren Perkins came out of the penalty box to join Hugo Belanger on a breakaway. Belanger dropped the puck in front of the crease to Perkins, who scored easily.

Anaheim took the lead for good with 1:19 left in the third when Belanger scored on a slap shot from the left face-off circle.

Anaheim, which scored once more in the third, outscored San Jose, 4-0, in the period and outshot them, 11-4.

“We can’t throw away games like this,” Bullfrog goalie Cory Cadden said. “Every game is the biggest game of the year. We have a great hockey team, but we have to apply ourselves to play well every game.”

The Bullfrogs take on Las Vegas at 7 tonight at the Pond. With five games remaining in the regular season and two points separating the two teams, the race is tight for first place and the important bye in the playoffs. After tonight’s game, the Bullfrogs travel to Las Vegas to play the Coyotes Saturday. The teams also play Aug. 15 at the Pond.

“Every game from here on out is a playoff game,” McCaughey said.

Notes

The Bullfrogs extended their home winning streak to nine . . . The Bullfrogs are 13-1-2 in their last 16 games . . . All RHI playoff games except the Eastern Conference semifinals will take place at the Pond, including the Western Conference semifinals Aug. 18, the Eastern and Western Conference finals Aug. 19, and the RHI Championship game Aug. 22. Individual tickets will cost $8-$22.