It was too much Tye Kurtz, as the Albany forward’s six goals and nine points doomed San Diego in a 12-10 loss Saturday night at MVP Arena in a crucial late-season matchup.
Kurtz netted his sixth in the fourth quarter, where Albany outscored the Seals 3-1 to break a 9-9 tie and seal the win.
San Diego fell behind 3-1 early after surrendering two power play goals but rallied with three late tallies from Jake Govett, Wes Berg, and Ben McIntosh to lead 4-3 after one.
The second quarter was even at 3-3, but Albany struck first with a short-handed goal before Pat Kavanagh—scoring his first NLL goal in his debut—and Ryan Benesch scored late for a 7-6 Seals lead at the half.
Things tightened in the third. McIntosh’s second made it 8-6, but Albany answered with two quick goals to tie it. Rookie Trent DiCicco briefly put the Seals ahead, but Kurtz’s fifth beat the buzzer to knot it at 9 heading into the fourth.
Albany controlled the final frame, getting goals from former Seal Kyle Jackson, Kurtz, and an empty-netter from Nick Chaykowsky. Govett scored San Diego’s lone fourth-quarter goal. Seals goalie Chris Origlieri left early in the fourth with an injury and was replaced by Mike Poulin.
Albany converted four of five power plays and added a short-handed goal, while San Diego went 0-for-2 with the man advantage.
The Seals fall to 8-9 while Albany improves to 7-10. The two teams meet again Friday night (April 18) at 7:30 p.m. on Fan Appreciation Night at Pechanga Arena.
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