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CHL Colorado Eagles

Eagles Win Another Nail-Biter Against Rush

January 7, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


RAPID CITY, S.D. - The Colorado Eagles defeated the Rapid City Rush, 3-1, in another close contest between the two clubs (three of the previous meetings this season have gone to a shootout) to end the first half of the season with a record of 25-6-1. The game looked like it would end in a 1-0 shutout until the final 63 seconds when three goals were scored -- two into an empty net.

Colorado dominated the first period -- building a 17-9 edge in shots and a 4-1 edge in power plays -- but could only score once despite the decided edge in play. Scott Polaski tallied the game's first goal at 5:45 to cap off a nice play by Riley Nelson. The Eagles' veteran forward blocked a shot in the defensive zone, sent the puck up ice and then entered the offensive zone just behind the play. Kevin Ulanski's drop-pass attempt was just off, but Nelson was able to tap it to Polaski who snapped it past Miguel Beaudry from the top of the circles.

The second period brought more of the same with Beaudry's strong play between the pipes keeping the game close despite the Eagles carrying the majority of play. Colorado finished the second period with a 15-6 edge in shots and another two power plays.

Colorado clamped down in the third in an effort to help Andrew Penner record his second shutout in a row, and all involved nearly made it happen. The goaltender robbed Chris Lipsett midway through the period from low in the left circle and didn't let up as the Rush charged hard as time wound down. But with 63 seconds left in the game, the flood gates opened as Konrad Reeder scored an empty net goal, only to be followed just seven seconds later when Joey Olson's shot from below the goal line deflected off Polaski's skate and into the Eagles' net to spoil the shutout. Nelson was able to end the scoring with another empty-netter with just 3.6 seconds left.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 7, 2009


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