The Colorado Eagles continued their insane pace as they climbed up the standings tonight. As they battled the Bakersfield Condors for the sixth time this season, Colorado made it look easy. The Eagles killed three penalties in the first period and scored three goals as well. The Eagles won last night with some ease over the Coachella Valley Firebirds 5–2 and wanted to carry the momentum up the road. With the injury list shrinking, Ben Meyers returned to the lineup after missing 10 games with an upper-body injury. Here are the takeaways from the 5–2 victory over the Condors.
Takeaways
— Brad Hunt has been a genuine leader on the team as of late. In just the last four games, he has had six points, three of which were in tonight’s victory. Hunt led all skaters with one goal and two assists. He never takes credit for any of the plays that he makes, saying that “it is a team sport and we are all having fun out there.” Hunt is one defenseman that can play in all situations in the AHL, using his powerful slap shot to clear the shooting lane. After tonight, Hunt leads the team in points 14 goals and 24 assists.
Cedric Pare with some heavy pressure to force a turnover as Peter Holland picks up the puck. Pare sends the puck across the slot over to Brad Hunt for his 14th of the year. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/LvWjDvYpZg
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 19, 2024
— After missing 10 games because of an injury, Ben Meyers had an immediate impact with his return. Just 49 seconds into the game Meyers helped assist on Cedric Pare’s opening goal. Meyers set up the lead pass for Pare to take off into the zone and set the tone for the entire game. Later, he assisted on another goal by forechecking into the zone and throwing the puck into the center for Peter Holland to score.
For the second straight night, Cedric Pare opens the scoring for the Eagles. Ben Meyers with the only assist after missing 10 games due to injury. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/NaS8LoMAFN
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 19, 2024
Peter Holland now with a goal and an assist for the night as he is left all alone in the slot. Ben Meyers collects his 2nd assist of the night and Wyatt Aamodt joined the party. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/rFQFdx3UTM
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 19, 2024
— The only thing that was a problem tonight was the Eagles’ discipline. They gave the Condors six power play opportunities throughout the game. A lot of the penalties were because tempers were getting heated. It was the sixth meeting of the season after all. But the players need to keep that under control. They killed off all the penalties, putting themselves at third in the league at 84.5 percent.
Conclusion
As of tonight, the Eagles are in third place in the Pacific Division and only two points out of second place. They have gone on a wild run lately, going 13–3 in the last 16 games. Head coach Aaron Schneekloth has credited their special teams to all of their recent success and the health of the players. As long as the Eagles can get a trickle of healthy players coming into the team, they will only get better. Colorado has a few days off to rest; they don’t play again until Friday at home against the Henderson Silver Knights. By that point, the Eagles could have one or two more players back in the lineup.
Standings for the Eagles before tonight's contest against Bakersfield. Tucson and Calgary both won last night so standings pretty much stayed the same. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/CJLt9LivZY
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 19, 2024