CHL Colorado Eagles

PP Disparity Continues, Brahmas Win Again

Published on May 5, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas - The Eagles were doubled up on the scoreboard, 6-3, by the Texas Brahmas who more than doubled up the Governors' Cup champions in power play chances for the second game in a row in taking a 3-1 series lead in the CHL's Ray Miron President's Cup championship series. The Brahmas have enjoyed a 21-8 advantage in power plays in the past two games alone and a 36-17 advantage in the series.

The Eagles welcomed forward Ryan Tobler -- out since Game 3 of the previous round -- back into the lineup, but were without defenseman Scott Polaski who was injured during the previous game on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams played a fairly even first period with Texas out-shooting Colorado 11-10, but the clubs were knotted up at one goal apiece after 20 minutes of play. Colorado got the first goal -- on their only power play of the period -- while the Brahmas scored on a delayed penalty call that would have resulted in their fourth man advantage chance of the frame.

Konrad Reeder started the scoring with the Eagles' power-play goal at 5:40 when he put home the puck from the side of the crease just before the net was knocked off its moorings. Kevin McLeod evened up the score at 16:14 with a shot off the goalpost and an extra attacker on the ice for the Brahmas.

The red-hot Ed McGrane made it 2-1 for Colorado with their second power-play goal in as many chances when his shot from the point floated past Brett Jaeger at 1:57; it marked McGrane's fourth goal in the past three games. Andrew Penner followed that up with some big saves to keep the Eagles on top until the period turned midway through.

Starting at 9:55, the Brahmas scored four consecutive goals -- the last on a 5-on-3 advantage -- to take a 5-2 lead into the third period. Mike Vellinga got the even-up score -- on his first goal of the playoffs -- with a shot that clipped off the glove of Penner and trickled across the goal line as the teams skated 4-on-4.

Then at 12:27, the puck got chipped past Jason Beatty at the left point and Brandon Benedict began a two-on-one rush the other way. His initial shot was blocked, but he got the rebound and sent a pass from below the goal line to a wide open Jason Deitsch in the slot for a 3-2 lead.

Just a minute and a half later Scott Sheppard found Greg McConnell with a backdoor pass from high in the right circle to double up the Eagles' deficit. And then at the 19 minute mark, Deitsch got his second score of the frame when the Brahmas converted on the two-man advantage; it was their seventh 5-on-3 of the series, compared to zero for the Eagles.

Morgan Cey started the third period between the pipes for the Eagles, whom showed no quit as McGrane scored his second goal of the night at 9:05 after entering the offensive zone and beating Jaeger from the left circle. But the penalties began to mount again against Colorado soon after, and they lost any momentum they might have gained.

The Eagles were called for four more penalties in a row -- making it seven of the final nine infractions going against the Northern Conference champions -- and the Brahmas added their second power-play goal of the game at 12:29 to make it 6-3; Kevin McLeod's score from the point came with a delayed penalty that would have given Texas yet another 5-on-3 advantage.

The two teams will meet again Wednesday night for Game 5 of the best-of-seven series. Games 6 and 7, if necessary, will be played back in Loveland, Colorado at the Budweiser Events Center.

Check out the Colorado Eagles Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from May 5, 2009


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