Chiasson Focused on Merkley’s Defensive Play, Refining Pasichnuk’s Details | SJHN+

In a stark contrast to Friday’s 7-5 win, the Barracuda offense dried up in a 4-0 loss to the Henderson Silver Knights Saturday.

The Barracuda (15-13-4-2) were outshot 39-16 by the Silver Knights (22-12-0-0) and shutout for the third time this season.

In the first period, Henderson jumped ahead to a 3-0 lead. First, they took advantage of a 5-on-3 power play, then added two even-strength goals within the next 10 minutes.

Then Reid Duke, the first Vegas Golden Knight, scored on a breakaway for a 4-0 Henderson lead in the second period.

Sasha Chmelevski fights for the third time this season #sjbarracuda pic.twitter.com/CWEMTxUZOa

— Brian Truong (@_BrianTruong) May 2, 2021

Like yesterday night, it was another penalty-filled affair in San Jose. The Barracuda racked up 53 penalty minutes, while the Silver Knights had 51.

Sam Harvey made 34 saves in the 4-0 loss.

The Barracuda play their final home game of the regular season against the Bakersfield Condors (20-12-0-1) Monday at 4 p.m. at Solar4America Ice.

Chiasson on Merkley’s “Ups and Downs”

Ryan Merkley has been fairly quiet with the Barracuda, with one goal and nine assists through 28 games. In February, head coach Roy Sommer said Merkley has “still got a ways to go before he makes an impact at the NHL level.”

The San Jose Sharks’ 2018 first-rounder also suffered a wrist injury that caused him to miss six games in April.

“I think he’s gotten better,” assistant coach Michael Chiasson, who handles the Barracuda defense, told San Jose Hockey Now Thursday. “There’s definitely been some ups and downs, with the injury and all that kind of stuff, but he’s handled it well. He’s definitely learning the ups and downs of pro hockey, the travel, and the importance that this is an everyday type of job.”