CHL Colorado Eagles

Four-Goal Third Period Lifts Eagles over Scorpions

Published on January 20, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


LOVELAND, Colo.- The Colorado Eagles scored four unanswered third period goals in just 1:52 to comeback from a two-goal deficit and beat the New Mexico Scorpions 5-3 Saturday night at the Budweiser Events Center. Colorado and New Mexico entered the third period tied at one, New Mexico took a 3-1 lead early in the period, but the Eagles answered with a fury of goals from four different scorers to extend their unbeaten streak to 19 games at the Budweiser Events Center. Scott Polaski scored the game winner and Riley Nelson added two goals and an assist as Colorado improved their record to 29-5-0 remaining in first place in the Northwest Division. Mike Falk had a goal and an assist for the Scorpions and Christopher Robertson had two assists in the loss. The Scorpions still have never defeated the Eagles in regulation at the BEC in 15 games, Colorado is 12-0-3 all-time against New Mexico at home.

The Eagles were awarded a five-on-three power play at the midway point of the first period. Colorado took a penalty in the ensuing play, but they still managed to score when Chris Hartsburg blasted a slap shot that got through the pads of Scorpions' goaltender Scott Reid and Riley Nelson tapped it in from the doorstep. Brad Williamson also assisted on the play giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead. The Scorpions bounced right back and scored just over one minute later on a breakaway goal by Craig MacDonald. He was assisted by Mike Falk and it tied the game 1-1. The teams tied with eight shots each while Colorado was 1-2 on the power play and New Mexico finished the period 0-3.

The teams skated to a scoreless second period, although it wasn't without excitement. New Mexico came an inch away from scoring when a shot got through Eagles' netminder Tim Boron and slowly drifted over the goal line, but Eagles forward Seth Leonard was there to clear the puck before it completely crossed the goal line. Colorado out shot the Scorpions 14-12 in the period but the score remained tied at one.

The Scorpions jumped out early in the third period and took a 2-1 lead on a Mike Prpich goal at the 6:32 mark. They took a 3-1 lead on a Mike Falk goal just 1:16 later bidding to end the Eagles home winning streak. Colorado did not let that happen as they scored four unanswered goals in only 1:52. Ed McGrane started the onslaught at the 10:04 mark on a centering pass from the newest Eagles player Brent Hughes. Just 50 seconds later, Riley Nelson tied the game at three when he beat Scorpions goaltender Scott Reid five hole. The Eagles took a 4-3 lead on a goal by Scott Polaski as he took a feed from Steve Haddon which would ultimately be the game winner. Finally, at the 11:56 mark, Brad Williamson had a power play goal as he ripped a slap shot past Reid to give the Eagles a 5-3 lead. New Mexico tried to battle back pulling the goaltender late in the contest, but were unable to get another goal. The Scorpions still have not defeated the Eagles in regulation at the Budweiser Events Center, Colorado is now 12-0-3 against New Mexico at the BEC. Final score: Eagles 5 - Scorpions 3.

The Eagles will stay home for their final game of a three-game homestand when they play the Laredo Bucks on Wednesday, January 24th at the Budweiser Events Center. The game will be televised on Altitude Sports & Entertainment starting at 7:00 p.m. MST.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 20, 2007


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