Mon May 05 03:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Barracuda Face Tough Test Against Top-Seeded Eagles in Calder Cup Playoffs

**San Jose, CA** – The San Jose Barracuda begin their fight back in the Calder Cup Playoffs today, facing a formidable opponent in the top-seeded Colorado Eagles. Game Two of their best-of-five Divisional Semifinal series is set for 6:00 PM at Tech CU Arena, with the Eagles currently holding a 1-0 series lead after a 6-3 victory on Friday.

Despite a regular season record of 3-5 against Colorado, including a 2-2 home record, the Barracuda are hoping to capitalize on their playoff experience and upset the odds. While this is their first Calder Cup Playoff matchup against the Eagles, they have a past victory over them, eliminating Colorado 5-1 in a 2021 play-in game. Historically, the number one seed has never lost its opening-round series in the Pacific Division since its inception, presenting a significant challenge for the Barracuda.

The Eagles, boasting a franchise-best 94 points this season and a league-leading goals per game average, enter the series as strong favorites. Their roster includes three players with Calder Cup championship rings. Adding to their strength is the record-breaking performance of defenseman Jacob MacDonald, the Eddie Shore Award winner, who tallied an AHL-record 31 goals this season.

San Jose counters with their own star power, featuring AHL MVP Andrew Poturalski (currently injured), whose 73 points led the league, and Danil Gushchin, the Barracuda’s all-time leading scorer, who returned from illness in Game One. Rookie defenseman Luca Cagnoni also had a stellar season, setting franchise records for goals and power-play goals by a defenseman. Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, though winless against the Eagles in the regular season, provided a strong performance in Game One, including a shutout in the opening round.

The Barracuda’s potent power play, which led the AHL with a 24% success rate during the regular season, will be a key factor in their attempt to even the series. Their strong special teams unit, led by Gushchin and Cagnoni, will need to exploit any opportunities against Colorado’s strong defensive corps. The series promises a thrilling contest, pitting the Barracuda’s offensive firepower and potent power play against the Eagles’ scoring prowess and experience.

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