The Colorado Eagles had their eyes set on another win against the Ontario Reign tonight. The Eagles were entering the game on a four game win streak and three points out of fifth place in the Pacific Division. The Eagles should have the odds stacked in their favor against Ontario, given their 2-1-0-1 record this season. Especially as more players are coming back from injury and are consistent in the lineup. Here are the takeaways from the 6–3 victory over the Reign.
Takeaways
— The Eagles forecheck smothered the Reign in the first period. For much of the first period, the Eagles pressed forward and would not let up much. They were doing it so much that the Reign had two power play chances and still were getting chased into their own zone.
A great example of the type of player that Ondrej Pavel is. Always on the forecheck and very aggressive on the PK. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/GrHMbHSZSg
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 31, 2024
— Sam Malinski brought his NHL experience with him. Having played 22 games for the Colorado Avalanche this season, Malinski is showing more quickness on the puck and confidence in the zone. He is taking the shots more often with his head up, waiting for the zone to be clear or passing the puck off. Malinski is also attacking the zone more aggressively, reading the play faster, which helped him drop into the zone and score his goal.
Tanner Kero with a hard forecheck to steal it away. Oskar Olausson slows the pass down for Sam Malinski to rocket one home for a 2 goal lead. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/mXYIrxWqjI
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 31, 2024
— Jean-Luc Foudy, who is now in the regular lineup, is looking better with each game. In just his sixth game back-and-forth game in a row, had his first multi-point game of the season. Foudy’s assist came from a feed up to Malinski at the point and then a Brad Hunt goal. The goal came with some work in low. After the shot from Hunt and a rebound attempt by Cal Burke, Foudy snapped it into a nearly open net.
Foudy feeds Malinski and sends it over to Hunt for a slapper and the 3 goal lead. Foudy now with a 3 game point streak. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/ao8j3Rbx6e
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 31, 2024
Jean-Luc Foudy nails his first of the year on the PP with the help of Burke down low and Hunt up high. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/e4nGxmG9z3
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 31, 2024
— Chris Wagner, also in his sixth game back, caught fire with his first two goals with the Eagles. Not just a scorer, but a leader with impact.
Spencer Smallman sends the pass across the slot over to Chris Wagner for his first of the year and first as an Eagle. Keaton Middleton with the secondary assist. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/AOeYlu8mT3
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 31, 2024
Conclusion
Colorado is now within one point of fifth place in the Pacific Division. Head coach Aaron Schneekloth now has clarified that they do not want to settle for seventh. With just two points behind, they are close to catching up with the Abbotsford Canucks in fourth place. Everyone is getting hot at the right time and getting healthy. Peter Holland, who has not played since the end of November, may even play on Friday. The power play has gained some real momentum, scoring at least once in their last eight contests. The Eagles will look for their sixth straight win on Friday night against the Ontario Reign.