The San Diego Gulls snatched a 2-1 series lead in the 1st round of the AHL playoffs by dismantling the Texas Stars 6-1 in front of more than 6,500 fans.
All-Star Brandon Montour got the scoring started in the 1st period.
The Gulls expanded that lead to 4-0 before the second intermission thanks to goals by Nick Ritchie, Mike Sgarbossa and Joseph Cramarossa.
Stefan Noesen and Mike Wagner also lit the lamp to the delight of the home crowd.
Shea Theodore was fantastic and credited with 3 assists in the blowout.
The Gulls will attempt to win their first-ever AHL Calder Cup playoff series Friday evening when they play Game 4 against the Stars, the puck drops at 7:05 p.m. at Valley View Casino Center.
If Texas avoids elimination, a deciding game 5 will be played Monday night in San Diego.
