Eagles Win White-Knuckle Shootout

The Colorado Eagles went into last night’s game only four points out of third place behind the Abbotsford Canucks. They lost on Saturday night to the Abbotsford Canucks due to a disappointing call that led to the game-winning goal for the home team. If the Eagles could win the game in regulation, they could draw to within two points of the Canucks, but things aren’t always that easy. Colorado took the Canucks to a white knuckle shootout and gave them a point in the process. 

First Period 

After the game last night started with a goal in the first two minutes, tonight was the complete opposite. Both the Eagles and the Canucks saw the penalty box twice in the first period with minor infractions, but were unsuccessful in their attempts.

Colorado tried to pour the shots on goaltender Artūrs Šilovs, but he was as cool as a cucumber. The best chance for the Eagles came with about eleven minutes left in the period when Mikhail Maltsev had a shot go wide on a yawning goal. The first period would end in a standoff, but with momentum going in Colorado’s direction.

Second Period

Once again, the second period saw very similar results as the first period. Both The Eagles and the Canucks saw the penalty box twice and nothing came of it (although both clubs did have very good scoring chances during their power plays). Ben Meyers redirected a shot and tried to shove it home — the puck just laid in the crease for what seemed like a lifetime before the Canucks cleared it. Jack Rathbone had a gaping net when Abbotsford was on their power play. They passed down from the right circle to Rathbone, but he had his stick angled wrong. There was no way goaltender Justus Annunen was going to get back in time, so he was saved by the stick. Colorado was only able to add six shots on net while Abbotsford put up eleven shots but no goals.

Third Period 

This period became the exact opposite of the previous two periods: exciting. With eight minutes and twenty-seven seconds left in the third, Sampo Ranta crossed through the crease during the play. Ranta ended up being called for tripping (even though he brushed Šilovs’ arm). Immediately, Colorado head coach Greg Cronin called over the officials and wanted to have a word. Abbotsford would get the puck into the zone and down to the left circle with Arshdeep Bains. He would play catch with Justin Dowling at the top of the slot. Dowling took the shot and Linus Karlsson redirected it past Annunen for a 1-0 lead. Cronin kept screaming at the officials after the goal and eventually was hit with abuse of an official and ejected from the game. 

Tie Up and Free Hockey 

Late in the third, with Annunen pulled for an extra attacker, the Eagles dumped it into the Abbotsford zone. Meyers fought hard to dig it out and get it to Ryan Merkley at the point. He danced to the high slot and snapped a slot through traffic and the game-tying goal with ten seconds left.

Abbotsford would outshoot Colorado 5-1 during the overtime period, but Annunen held them in the game to force a shootout. Jett Woo would open up the shootout with a hard shot for a goal, but Maltsev was not able to counter. In fact, the shootout would go a total of nine rounds. Alex Galchenyuk, Alex Beaucage, and Linus Karlsson would all have goals. The most important one came from the player that you would least expect — Justin Scott. He would get the go ahead goal for the Eagles and win the game, 3-2.

Conclusion 

The biggest issue of the game last night were the special teams. Colorado gave seven chances to Abbotsford on the power play last night, one of which they converted. The Canucks 19.2 percent is only ranked 16th in the league, but it was enough to strike once last night.

The Eagles penalty kill has been improving, but is still only 79.8 percent effective (23rd in the league). Colorado’s power play needs a lot of work, converting 17.6 percent of the time and “needs to stop being so cute,” as Cronin has put it. The weakness was glaring last night and the Eagles need to improve on it. Some players are starting to come back to the lineup, so that should help.