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Eagles overcome two-goal deficit against Silver Knights

  
deficit
Jack Ahcan battles Silver Knights for the puck on April 7, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Henderson Silver Knights)

The Colorado Eagles have been inconsistent with their performance since clinching a bid to the Calder Cup playoffs on March 30 against the Abbotsford Canucks (VAN).

While facing the Henderson Silver Knights (VGK), the team faced a loss on April 6, yet were tenacious against Henderson in the following game.

The Eagles sat fourth in the Pacific Division, a mere two points behind the Tucson Roadrunners (ARI).

The good

Colorado suffered a staggering 4–1 loss against Henderson and nearly had a copycat game.

Fortunately for them, Callahan Burke put the team on the board with a 2–1 lead, and the game appeared to be headed in the Eagles favor.

Quick jumps to the net are vital in the playoffs. Being dialed in from the first moment to the last is what will make or break in a game.

The Eagles had a three-goal comeback in the third period, finalizing the score 4–2 at the very last moment. Spencer Smallman opened the period with a goal, helped by Sam Malinski and Jean-Luc Foudy at the four-minute mark.

Nearly four minutes later, Malinski and Matthew Stienburg fed Fredrik Olofsson to overcome the 2–2 tie.

Finally, Riley Tufte scored his 20th goal of the season on an empty net, finalizing the victory.

The team played with a sense of urgency throughout the third period. Rather than accepting defeat as they did on Saturday, the team came together and pulled out three unanswered goals.

The team put 31 shots on the net, with the majority being in the second period. This shows the ability to bring the puck deep, only to be stopped by an impressive performance from Henderson’s Jesper Vikman.

With the two collected points against Henderson, they have a solid chance of rising in the standings, which will directly affect their postseason situation.

Aside from their three-goal run, it was a full team effort. Eight players had direct credit for the netted goals. The depth and offensive drive from the roster is an invaluable asset as they finish the rest of the season.

The team also successfully killed seven penalties.

The next two games are against the Tucson Roadrunners, who sit directly above them in the standings. Bringing home four points will not only help them rise in the standings, but take a lead over their opponent.

The bad

The game was incredibly physical, which is not always a bad thing.

Throughout the season, Colorado has struggled with penalties. Many times, spending a significant amount of time in the box has had a direct impact on the game.

The Eagles had seven penalties against the Silver Knights, leaving the fate of game changing goals up to their penalty kill units. Three of the penalties were for roughing. Luckily, the status of their special teams is highly favorable, helping them find victory.

In the second period, Colorado allowed two goals on eight shots from the Silver Knights. One of the opposing goals hit the crossbar and exited before he was aware it went in. The second goal was a cross-slot pass, and the defense could not knock the puck away.

Despite being awarded three power plays, the Eagles could not convert on any of them. Being able to convert on the man advantage is crucial to winning games.

Takeaways

Colorado is in a comfortable spot. Their tenacity and penalty kill prevailed to take the victory away from the Silver Knights.

Bringing pucks to the net and using the entire roster to light the lamp is a difference maker, especially in games they need to win.

The team will continue their road trip to Tucson before returning for their last home stand of the season. They will host the San Diego Gulls (ANA) and the Ontario Reign (LAK) to close out their regular season.

All six of the upcoming games will be the determining factor in the final standings.

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