CHL Colorado Eagles

Penalty Killers Power Eagles Past Sundogs

January 26, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - Colorado got short-handed goals from Riley Nelson and Greg Pankewicz to help them defeat the Arizona Sundogs 4-2. In one of the Eagles' strongest performances of the season, Colorado won in Arizona for the second night in a row and just the second time in history. Not only did the Eagles penalty killers contribute two goals (after recording another one last night), but they held the Sundogs' top-ranked power play scoreless in nine chances.

The Eagles dominated the first half of the opening period, owning an 11-3 edge in shots at one point, but the period turned in the second half if only because Arizona was awarded three power plays. Colorado, though, was able to kill all three man-advantage chances, led by the goaltending of Bryan Bridges. Bridges was strong in net, making a couple big saves - once stacking the pads on Tyler Redenbach and another time moving left to right to snuff a back-door opportunity - as the Eagles were able to hang on and end the period 0-0.

Nelson put the Eagles in the lead in dramatic fashion with the team's second short-handed goal in as many nights. At 6:33, the puck squirted into the neutral zone and Ed McGrane, Nelson and Chris Bartolone raced after it. Nelson blew by both before collecting the puck, cutting across the low slot and back-handing a shot past Andrew Gallant. Bridges continued to be strong - and he had to be - as Arizona had three more power play opportunities in the second and a 9-5 advantage in shots. But the Sundogs tied it up with an even strength goal at 16:58 when Jonathan Bernier put in a Redenbach rebound from the side of the crease. Less than two minutes after that, Colorado re-gained the lead with a Dave Iannazzo power play tally off a pass from McGrane.

Pankewicz put the Eagles up 3-1 when the puck hit a linesman and caromed right to Nelson who hit the Eagles Captain on a short-handed breakaway at 9:21. Colorado added an insurance goal at 15:28 when Mike Lukajic beat Gallant with a high shot from the center of the right-wing circle. The Sundogs answered right back however, as Mark Kolanos scored 13 seconds later as Arizona took the ensuing faceoff and skated right through the Eagles defense.

Colorado is two-for-two on their five game road trip - their longest of the season - and will face the Tulsa Oilers on Wednesday night.

Check out the Colorado Eagles Statistics



Central Hockey League Stories from January 26, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central