Eagles Squeak Out Win Against Barracuda

LOVELAND, Colo. – The Colorado Eagles looked to sweep a mid-week series against the San Jose Barracuda last night. It wasn’t as easy of a game as it was on Tuesday, where it was basically a walkthrough. The Eagles literally would have to fight for this one. All Colorado wanted to do was get the win and maintain their spot in the Pacific Division, but San Jose made it for a tough win. The Eagles squeaked it out in the end. 

First Period

This game was not the same one as the night before. San Jose was skating with a lot more energy and goaltender Aaron Dell looked more comfortable than he did last night. The period became a chippy one with a total of twelve penalties called between the two teams.

During one of the five penalties that Colorado had (Alex Beaucage called for tripping), San Jose managed to actually convert. As The Eagles tried an unsuccessful clear of the zone, it was stopped at the point by Brandon Coe. He sent the puck down to Artemi Kniazev, who tried to carry in on the crease and snap on goaltender Justus Annunen. Unfortunately, Annunen wasn’t quick enough to gather the rebound, as Tristen Robins shoved it in for his 13th goal of the year.

Second Period

The penalties continued to rack up for both sides in the second. During the first infraction of the period by San Jose, Colorado had set up in the zone. Ben Meyers dribbled the puck in the corner waiting for an opening. Meanwhile, Charles Hudon came rushing down from the opposite point unseen. Meyers threaded the needle to Hudon and he one-timed it from his knee to get the Eagles’ first of the night and tie the game.

About three minutes later (or fifteen minutes left in the period), it was San Jose’s turn to be on the power play. The Barracuda were looking for a shot. They briefly lost the puck, but Shakir Mukhamadullin picked it up and got it to Coe. He centered it for Robins to nail home for his second of the night and take back the lead, 2-1.

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Third Period

In the third period, the Eagles began to claw their way back to try to get the lead. After six minutes had passed, the Eagles had possession in the Barracuda zone. As David Farrance was entering the zone, he dropped a pass and threw it to Meyers in the slot. Meyers took a falling shot that hit Dell and a scramble ensued in front of the net. Nate Clurman got a shot off and Cedric Paré tossed it over Dell’s pads to tie it at two.

With about nine minutes left, Colorado got another power play chance. Once they were set up, Farrance was at the blue line with the puck. He tossed it to Mikhail Maltsev in the left circle and he immediately saw Hudon in the right circle ready for a one-timer. Hudon nailed it in for the Eagles’ first lead of the game, 3-2.

BONUS: MIKHAIL MALTSEV INTERVIEW

Conclusion

Although both teams saw six power plays each, it was an even-strength goal that made a difference in the game. There were a total of twenty-three penalties in the game between the Eagles and Barracuda. Colorado forward Kale Kessy was even thrown out of the game for getting two misconducts in the game. Considering the circumstances, the penalty kill did an excellent job for both teams in order to give themselves a chance.