LOVELAND, Colo — The Colorado Eagles proved tonight that their speed was not a fluke. They came out of the gates running full speed, but the Tucson Roadrunners (UTA) gave them a run for their money. As expected, there were a lot more penalties in the second game between these two teams, making special teams play a vital role tonight. Players like Jacob MacDonald, Jason Polin, and Jayson Megna all played their parts to help the Eagles stove towards a win. But it was just not enough tonight. Here is what went wrong in the 4–2 loss to the Roadrunners on Saturday night.
What went right?
Jason Polin
Polin opened the scoring for the Eagles tonight on the power play with a one timer in the slot. “Obviously it’s nice to see the puck and then see the red light, but it’s a great pass by Tynan,” Polin said. “Anyway, I can help the team win. It’s what I want to do, and unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way I wanted tonight, but we’ll bounce back.” Polin also drew several penalties with his aggressive play. This put the Eagles on the power play and shifted the game their way.
Jason Polin rips his first goal of the year with a dandy from the slot on the PP. Assists from Olausson and Tynan. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/Klxp282eHv
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) October 13, 2024
Jayson Megna
The Eagles brought Megna back to Colorado this year after playing for the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. He showed exactly why the team named him captain in these last two games. Megna has led through leadership and example. He has been one of the few players on the forecheck and creating chances shorthanded. In two games, Megna has secured two assists with hard work.
What went wrong?
Power play
Last night, I said that the power play was showing they had some chemistry already. The unfortunate part is that they cannot convert on their chances. Over the first two games, the power play unit has only converted twice in 14 chances. It is a young season, they still have a lot of time to figure it out, but the Eagles had a conversion problem last season too.
Great fight here in the 3rd between Onyebuchi and Middleton. Onyebuchi actually stops the fight after Middleton's face gets cut. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/qGqJYKFND7
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) October 13, 2024
Conclusion
Over two games, the Eagles have shown that they are a much faster team than last season. They still have some grit with players like Matt Stienburg and Keaton Middleton as well. So this will be an interesting season to watch as we get to see GM Kevin MacDonald’s work all come to fruition and institute the Colorado Avalanche system. The Eagles will not play again until next Friday against the Abbotsford Canucks at Blue Arena in Loveland.