Gulls get even with Tucson, win 3-2 in overtime to split two-game set
Credit: San Diego Gulls (@SDGullsAHL)
The San Diego Gulls played their second game of a two-game set against the Tucson Roadrunners Saturday night, where they looked to get even after a 3-0 shutout the night before
This Saturday night contest got off to a quick start with a strong breakaway save by Damian Clara only seconds into the first period, followed by a quick turnover rush where Nico Myatovic scored, assisted by Nathan Gaucher at 1:13 into the first.
The Gulls were in some trouble shortly after, with two tripping penalties in quick succession putting them in a 5-on-3 situation. They were able to display strong defense and keep their 1-0 lead.
With cleaner zone entries and better ability to stay in the offensive zone than the first game, San Diego looked stronger and more cohesive in the second of two games against Tucson. The Roadrunners scored late in the period, with Tomas Lavoie recording his first professional goal to tie the game.
the hustle on this play 😮💨#LetsGoGulls pic.twitter.com/mLPvGDEboT
— San Diego Gulls (@SDGullsAHL) October 18, 2026
San Diego had some trouble staying in their offensive zone early in the second period, as Tucson was able to clear quickly. The Roadrunners had 13 shots in the second, but Clara was solid between the pipes, not allowing another goal. San Diego smoothed things out after a chaotic power-play goal from Matthew Phillips in the crease, giving the Gulls a 2-1 lead. Late Tucson penalties gave San Diego opportunities to regain offensive-zone pressure, but the period ended 2-1.
Crease chaos 😵💫#LetsGoGulls pic.twitter.com/VMO27cKdiz
— San Diego Gulls (@SDGullsAHL) October 18, 2026
🤩 DAMIAN CLARA 🤩#LetsGoGulls pic.twitter.com/3JJRrlhx2t
— San Diego Gulls (@SDGullsAHL) October 18, 2026
The pace was even for most of the third period, with San Diego doing well getting sticks on the puck and into passing lanes. The Gulls and Roadrunners both struggled to maintain possession for most of the period, but some tripping penalties against San Diego gave Tucson chances on the power play, where the Roadrunners eventually tied the game.
San Diego’s defense stayed strong, but its active stick play also led to tripping penalties that gave Tucson opportunities on the power play. San Diego had a power-play opportunity late in the third but could not convert, sending the game to overtime tied 2-2.
Overtime was short-lived for Tucson as a chance to get a shot on goal broke down along the boards, and San Diego was able to break into a rush, giving Myatovic his second goal of the night and the game-winner.
Flying to victory!#LetsGoGulls pic.twitter.com/LFJKmV5n8a
— San Diego Gulls (@SDGullsAHL) October 18, 2026
San Diego split the two-game set against Tucson with strong goaltending and more cohesive play. They showed they have more than speed, battling for pucks and forcing bad passes and turnovers to help close out the win.
The Gulls improved to 3-3-1-0 on the season.
Up Next: The Gulls will head home to host the Coachella Valley Firebirds Wed., Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. PT
A San Diego local, Bill brings his interest in the city’s sports to East Village Times. He looks beyond the final score to tell the stories of the people and moments that shape each game.