On the same day their coach turned 51, the hockey Gulls looked to snuff two candles Tuesday night.

They’d lost the past two games, not a big deal, normally – but, given the crowded state of the Gulls’ division, small fires are dangerous.

The Gulls won, 3-0, before an announced crowd of 6,908 at the Valley View Casino Center.

San Diego has won its past five home games, by a combined 23-4.


The Gulls were simply too fast for their hulking and not especially skilled opponent, the San Antonio Rampage, who not only are owned by the NBA Spurs but have a towering roster with 14 players 6-foot-2 or taller.

Birthday celebrant Dallas Eakins was behind the Gulls’ bench. And that’s reason for cake and ice cream if winning’s your thing. The Gulls have reached the playoffs in both seasons under Eakins, and are on track to return there this spring. The three-year win rate is 63 percent.

The Anaheim Ducks hired Eakins to direct the San Diego affiliate. A former defenseman, his credentials included an NHL playing career that took him to eight teams and more than 100 games as head coach of NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.

Eakins is in the final year of a three-year contract. The quest for the American Hockey League playoffs is the focal point, for both Eakins and the team.


However, given his success and NHL background, it’s fair for outsiders to wonder if Eakins will attract interest from an NHL club.

The coach, who lives in Poway with his wife and two daughters, has made a mark in San Diego. Club president Matt Savant said Eakins insists that Gulls players “give back” by appearing at local rinks, schools and hospitals. This week, Gulls players and Savant will read to local school-children as part of the “Read Across America” campaign.

Active night

Backhanding a rebound, forward Corey Tropp scored in the first period. Tropp, in the next period, won a fight. He tagged Mason Geertsen with a quick left jab and took him down.


Kossila’s return

Kalle Kossila, newly back from Anaheim, put away a loose puck 14 seconds into the third period, his 14th goal in 36 games. The score went to 3-0 on Kevin Roy’s short-side goal, versus a double team and an All-Star goalie.

Notes

In front of goalie Reto Berra, the Gulls killed off nine minutes of penalties in the second period. Berra finished with 26 saves, collecting his second shutout and 12th victory.


Roy was among the Gulls whose quickness troubled San Antonio.

Nic Kerdiles had two assists.

The Gulls and Fox 5 TV are negotiating a contract for next season. April 7 will mark the final telecast of this season.

On Tuesday, Eakins will coach his 500th AHL game. Though the NHL trade deadline passed recently, scouts from the Bruins and Capitals were present. The AHL trade deadline comes Monday.


The Gulls improved to 29-19-1-0. They’ve won nine of their past 11 games.

Tom.Krasovic@SDUnionTribune.com; Twitter: SDUTKrasovic