By Ryan Finley | [email protected] | The San Diego Union-Tribune
The San Diego Gulls opened the 2024-25 American Hockey League season the same way they finished so many games a season ago: with a loss.
Nikita Nesterenko, Carson Meyer and Jansen Harkins all scored, but San Diego was unable to overcome a second-period lapse and fell 4-3 to the Toronto Marlies on Saturday at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Trailing 1-0, Toronto scored three times in the second period to take a two-goal lead. Jacob Quillan pulled the Marlies even, Marshall Rifai gave Toronto the lead and Roni Hirvonen's power-play goal extended it.
Still, the Gulls seemed encouraged by their effort.
The Gulls finished 26-35-10-1 a year ago, finishing ninth in the 10-team AHL Pacific Division.
"I just love how resilient we were," Meyer said. "I think that's going to be something that's crucial to learn this season and it's good to know that we have it in us to come back no matter what the score is.
"Now, the key is just not letting the score get to that going into the third period and obviously closing it out when we get a chance and tie it up. But, resilient group, I thought every line played well. It's just unfortunate to not get at least a point out of that one (for a tie)."
The Gulls and Marlies will play again Sunday at 4 p.m.
McIlvane said the Gulls will try to play the way they did in the first period -- and not necessarily the second one.
"So I think if we can just emulate that first period all night tomorrow," he said, "(we) will be great."