Late Colin White Goal, Empty-Net Seal Barracuda 5-3 Win

Colin White broke a 3-3 deadlock with 4:45 remaining in the third period and Igor Chernyshov added an empty-net goal with 20 seconds left as the San Jose Barracuda rallied to a 5-3 victory over the Bakersfield Condors. The Barracuda scored multiple third-period goals to erase a deficit and finish off the Condors in front of the home crowd at Tech CU Arena on January 24, 2026.

Goaltender J. Brossoit anchored the win, stopping 23 of 26 shots for San Jose. Connor Ungar faced a heavy workload for Bakersfield, making 38 saves on 42 shots, but could not overcome the Barracuda's late surge. The goaltending numbers reflect a game where the Barracuda did enough in key moments while the Condors leaned on Ungar to keep the contest close.

San Jose's power play continued to produce as the Barracuda converted opportunities that helped swing momentum in the third period. Special teams play has been a recurring strength for San Jose during this multi-game homestand, and the success on the power play again proved decisive when margins tightened late. Bakersfield challenged the Barracuda with sustained pressure at times, but penalties at inopportune moments and the late goals ultimately tilted the outcome.

From a player-performance perspective, White’s late-game finish underscored his ability to deliver in clutch situations, while Chernyshov’s empty-netter provided the necessary insurance to preserve the two-goal margin. Brossoit’s composure on 26 shots allowed the Barracuda to stay within striking distance when Bakersfield pressed, and Ungar’s 38 saves gave Bakersfield a chance despite the loss.

The result carries implications beyond the scoreboard. For San Jose, closing out tight games on home ice bolsters confidence and keeps fan engagement high during the Tech CU Arena homestand. For Bakersfield, the game illustrates the strain a heavy shot clock can place on a goaltender and the fine line between a comeback and a late collapse. In the broader AHL landscape, the contest highlights ongoing trends: the premium on reliable goaltending, the payoff of effective power plays, and the developmental tug-of-war between winning at the AHL level and preparing players for NHL roles.

Local hockey supporters saw a competitive matchup that showcased both individual grit and tactical adjustments in the final period. As the Barracuda continue through their homestand, fans should expect further emphasis on special teams and goaltending management. The late-game heroics by White and the insurance from Chernyshov signal a team capable of closing out games, a trait that will matter as San Jose seeks to turn late leads into consistent results.