With Andrew Poturalski still out of the San Jose Barracuda lineup, multiple players have stepped up to fill the void of the AHL MVP.
Forward Colin White got the first crack at taking Poturalski’s spot on many of the Barracuda’s top lines, and he’s made it count. White won’t put up the offense that Poturalski does, which nobody will do because Poturalski led the AHL in points.
San Jose scored four goals against the Ontario Reign. White had points on three of them, all assists. White’s influence on Collin Graf’s game-winning goal on Saturday can’t go unnoticed.
White is at the blue line, pointing his stick to the left as Captain Jimmy Schuldt retrieves the puck. Due to Schuldt’s haste, he didn’t see the instruction in time. White still made a play and deflected the puck to the right boards for Ethan Cardwell to drive the zone. Graf would finish off the pass from Cardwell with a backhander.
White has also stepped into Poturalski’s spot on the San Jose Barracuda’s top-ranked power-play. The power-play went a woeful one for nine during the first-round series, but it still impacted the play.
White has been utilized as a top penalty killer for head coach John McCarthy. His defensive prowess earned him an NHL contract with the San Jose Sharks. He was recalled once during the season and played three games.
The San Jose Barracuda’s penalty kill was perfect during the first round, going nine for nine.
Poturalski’s lower-body injury still leaves him week-to-week. White must continue to step up in his place for a long playoff run.
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