The Colorado Eagles continued to stay hot after their 4–2 victory on Thursday against the Iowa Wild. The Eagles capitalized on two out of five power play opportunities, eliminating the usual problem of power play struggles. Cal Burke was the hottest of all with his three points to solidify Colorado’s 6–2 victory. All aspects of the Eagles’ game were in sync – passing, special teams, defense, and offense. Justus Annunen even looked like his old self as he showed more comfort in the crease.
Quick Hits
— Cal Burke is heating up and getting back in a groove. By scoring goals in consecutive games, he has affected how the opponent approaches the zone. Burke is a two-way center that loves to forecheck, backcheck and give you 100 percent on every shift. He has averaged four shots on goal in the last six games to help boost the offense since returning on December 16th.
Cal Burke snaps his 5th of the season in for the 5-2 lead for the Eagles. Right off of the faceoff, Kero and Hunt with the assists #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/nyIjJhm7OD
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) December 31, 2023
Cal Burke with his 2nd goal of the night and 3rd point. Jack Ahcan provides the cross slot pass and his 2nd assist of the night. Eagles up 6-2 #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/EWedBB6AQL
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) December 31, 2023
— Sam Malinski showed off the experience he gained from his recall to the Colorado Avalanche. So far this season, Malinski has played 14 games with the Avalanche where he had one goal and four assists. He showed his experience on the first penalty kill of the game tonight with his aggressiveness on the puck carrier. He was smoother in his skating and more confident in his attacks. The NHL had a significant positive impact on Malinski, clear in the first period alone.
— Annunen played his third game in a row and since coming back from injury. He struggled in the first game against Calgary, playing only 32 minutes, but has since performed consistently. He has allowed only four goals in 51 shots, which has given the Eagles a fighting chance. As the game went along tonight, he showed more mobility and confidence in the movement towards the puck.
— The power play unit in tonight’s victory was doing a lot of things right. They were moving the puck and doing it to the right places. Skaters were taking shots on the net at will, taking advantage of the inexperienced Hunter Jones in net. Colorado was following their shots up with secondary rebound shots, getting even more chances. There is a spark there, and we saw it come alive tonight.
Brad Hunt with a hard slapper from the blue line that works its way through the crowd. Assists come from Burke and Kero and the Eagles are up 1-0. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/xrK8lw3bvn
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) December 31, 2023
Conclusion
The Eagles showed a lot of confidence in their puck movement with the momentum of a victory behind them on Thursday. Having another puck carrying defenseman helped their exits out of their own zone a lot with Malinski. Their lack of discipline at the end of the game resulted in six penalties in the third alone, which could have cost them. But they could weather the storm with two players ejected from the game. This team is showing some chemistry under Aaron Schneekloth and it is exciting. The Eagles’ next game will be on Friday, January 5th in Milwaukee against the Admirals.
Matt Stienburg drops the gloves with Adam Raska after an open ice hit. The result would be Stienburg getting 2 for instigating, 5 for fighting and 10 for misconduct #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/c1XqVFkQYQ
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) December 31, 2023