LOVELAND, Colo. — The Colorado Eagles continue to slide in the wrong direction, losing their fourth straight last night against the Calgary Wranglers. Tonight was more than just about hockey. It was the annual Pot of Gold Game. All proceeds from the sales of Pot of Gold gear will benefit Cooper Logan, aka DJ Lil’ Coop, who has Kawasaki Disease. He has to go through treatment every eight weeks. You can learn more and donate here. The Eagles’ lack of energy killed them last night, but bringing Wyatt Aamodt injected the team with some speed on the back end. Trent Miner also got his first start since February 28th against the Abbotsford Canucks. Here are the takeaways from their 3–1 vctory over the Wranglers.
Peter Holland with the tap in down low. Spencer Smallman sets up Jean-Luc Foudy for the pass down low and Holland for the finish. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/dpmw53ykjY
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 17, 2024
Takeaways
— The Eagles had a lot more energy tonight. After the first five minutes of last night’s contest, the Eagles fell flat and could not keep up with the Wranglers. Tonight, they were skating hard from the get go, checking hard into the boards and driving to the net.
Why not a little fighting the night before St. Patty's Day? Matt Stienburg drops the mitts with Brett Sutter after a hit on the boards. Each got 5 for fighting. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/qKehtLTYQz
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 17, 2024
“There was a lot to play for tonight not only for us as a group where we are in the standings and what we want to accomplish but a huge night for the organization to play with a lot of pride for Cooper Logan,” said head coach Aaron Schneekloth. “We’re so grateful to help contribute to make somebody’s life better. Motivation for our team to see that situation alone.”
— Sam Malinski had a point for the first time in five games. After noticing that he has been less aggressive lately offensively on the puck, Malinski had a nice redirect to help with Jack Ahcan’s goal. My theory was that it was being paired with a slower skater.
“I think Sam’s game is effective, and he’s dynamic when he’s assertive with the puck, sometimes you overlook the fact that it’s his first year pro,” said Schneekloth. “He’s made some incredible strides for him to come up and play a bunch of games with the Avalanche and then come down to us. It’s a different pace, and it’s a little more chaotic and he still has things to work on as a young defenseman. But his offense and his play shines when he’s driving his feet up the ice and he’s being assertive with the puck.”
The redirects of all redirects! Sam Malinski throws to the front of the net for Jack Ahcan to redirect it right into the back of the net. Ivan Ivan with secondary assist. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/qlHttdFYmh
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 17, 2024
— Trent Miner came into the net and held firm to secure another win. Miner continues to shine in net, setting career highs in every category. He saved 27 of 28 shots tonight and looks more comfortable with every opportunity that he gets to play. Miner will be a restricted free agent this summer along with Arvid Holm, but Miner is proving he will beat Holm out for the job.
Riley Tufte totally redeems himself with the insurance goal to make it 3-1! #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/WDfI1WYAc3
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 17, 2024
Conclusion
If the Eagles can play a game like they did tonight, they will have a lot of success. Their power play continues to struggle with no goals in 27 chances in ten games. During their four game skid, the Eagles could not score more than one goal every game. So they need to find other ways to score. The next two games will not be a simple task. The Milwaukee Admirals (NSH) will come to town on Tuesday, a team they have yet to bet this year.
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