Merkley Mistake Almost Costly For Eagles

The Colorado Eagles came into last night’s game with one victory over the Henderson Silver Knights this weekend. They were looking to make two in a row. The Eagles and Silver Knights were wrapping up the season series with game number eight and a strong Colorado lead (4-2-1). Last night would see a couple of lineup changes as Ryan Merkley would drop from the first defensive pair to the third. It would also be the first time that the Eagles participated in a shootout all season. 

First Period

The Silver Knights looked like they were starting the game a little more aggressive than last night. They quickly got five shots on net before the Eagles could get their first shot on Silver Knights goaltender Laurent Brossoit. At five minutes into the period, Henderson was holding the puck in the Colorado zone for some time. Jake Bischoff took the shot from the top of the slot, but Eagles goaltender Justus Annunen kicked it quickly to the corner. The rebound was gathered at the left point by Kaedan Korczak, who snapped it right on goal with a tip from Sheldon Rempal.

Then, with about seven minutes left in the period, Justin Scott came screaming into the Henderson zone with Oskar Olausson following him up. Scott dropped the pass to Olausson and he whipped it over the glove of Brossoit to tie the game.

Second Period

There was not much to say about the second period in the way of action for either team. One minute into the second, Ryan Wagner and Sheldon Rempal had a brief bout at center ice. It only lasted a couple of punches and then both collapsed on the ice. The Eagles saw the penalty box twice more in the second, with Henderson going only one more time after the fight. Neither team was able to convert on the man advantage in the period.

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Third Period

The third period became a shooting range with a total of twenty four shots between the two teams. Both Annunen and Brossoit had to be on their best game with each team throwing all they could at the net. With a little over fifteen minutes left in the period, Spencer Smallman would get a pass from Callahan Burke that would lead to a small breakaway. Smallman would toss it in the goal to get the lead…or so they thought.

Six or so minutes later, Ryan Merkley would attempt a shot from the point. It got blocked and sent from Daniil Chayka to Rempal for a breakaway that Merkley could not get back in time for. Annunen stood no chance on Rempal’s shot to tie the game. 

Overtime and Shootout

Free hockey had some exciting moments, but there were only five shots in the five minutes of overtime. The best opportunity came as Burke came rolling down the boards and pushed his way towards the slot, but to no avail.

The shootout was led off by the Silver Knights and Maxim Marushev. He came in slow and snapped it hard over the net. Anton Blidh of the Eagles came straight at Brossoit but shot wide. Pavel Dorofeyev would attempt to go five-hole on Annunen, but he was not having any of it. Charles Hudon stickhandled the puck at a steady pace to about the hash marks and then flung it hard into the net for the Eagles only shootout goal of the year. Annunen did his part by shutting down Brendan Brisson to take the victory going into All-Star break.

Conclusion

The Eagles will now go six days between match-ups, winning their last two games. They close out the season series against Henderson with a winning record, as well (5-2-1). The mistake by Merkley in the third period could have been a total morale killer, but head coach Greg Cronin was able to keep the players’ minds in the game and get the win.

The Eagles now have third place in the Pacific Division by one point over the Abbotsford Canucks and trail Coachella Valley by seven points. Colorado will be off for the All-Star Skills Competition and All-Star Classic (where Jean-Luc Foudy will participate) until Friday, February 10 when they host Texas (7:05pm MST).