The Colorado Eagles came into tonight desperately needing two points after losing the last three games in a row. Last night’s contest against the Texas Stars was far from their best showing as they fell 5–3 and went scoreless in three chances on the power play. Currently, the Eagles sit in fourth place in the Pacific Division, trailing Ontario by just two points. If Colorado can have a solid rest of the road trip, they could jump into third, if not second place in the division. This would give the Eagles an easier opponent with Abbotsford or Bakersfield. With players like Jason Polin heating up, this could get done. Here are the takeaways from the 3–2 victory over the Stars tonight.
Takeaways
— The Eagles finally broke a 0 for 13 stretch on the power play. During two of the three games which this took place, Colorado could only score short handed goals against Abbotsford. They finally broke through with some even strength goals last night, but the overwhelming force of the Stars was too much.
Brad Hunt with a clapper to break the PP streak and take the lead! Ivan Ivan and Cedric Paré with the assists on the play. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/Hg6KwUCJ6r
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) April 4, 2024
— Jason Polin has heated up at the right time. With two goals in the last two nights, Polin has started the scoring on both nights against the Stars. With all the injuries and call-ups, Polin, a Hobey Baker Finalist last season, is expected to step up. Tanner Kero is out with an injury and Jean-Luc Foudy is with the Colorado Avalanche, so there is a sizeable gap in offensive production. Not to mention, Oskar Olausson will be out for the year. Polin has been showing more confidence with every passing game, even more so after his first call up to the Avalanche in January.
Matt Stienburg drops it down to Nate Clurman who avoids the poke check to get the puck in front for Jason Polin and the finish. Polin with his 2nd goal in as many days. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/lZhjneEJBg
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) April 4, 2024
— Keaton Middleton has quietly been having a career year. Scoring the third goal of the night and what turned out to be the game winning goal, he is one shy of his career best. Middleton set the career high in his first year with the San Jose Barracuda in 2018-19. Since Middleton has joined the Avalanche organization, he has become a steadfast leader on the blue line for the Eagles. Players have said that he is one of the most vocal players on the ice and it shows in how he directs traffic.
Cal Burke runs down to the corner and sets Keaton Middleton up for a one-timer from the top of the faceoff circle. Schueneman with the secondary assist. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/Nsz4BPH71L
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) April 4, 2024
Conclusion
The Eagles clearly needed a boost in the right direction tonight. They got it from every aspect on the ice, from special teams to goaltending. If it weren’t for Ivan Prosvetov, the Eagles wouldn’t have won this game. He saved 29 of 31 shots on goal and the Stars threw everything they could at him. Colorado will continue their road trip on Saturday against the Henderson Silver Knights in another must win for important points.