Secondary Scoring Leads Eagles to Big Win in Bakersfield
March 22, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Colorado Eagles edged the Bakersfield Condors, 3-2, strengthening their grasp on home ice advantage in the upcoming playoffs while at the same time knocking the Condors out of playoff contention. In a game that saw a combined 83 shots, the Eagles got their three goals from players with a combined seven goals on the season heading into the game.
The teams skated to a fairly even first half of the opening period before Colorado claimed momentum in the final five minutes and capitalized on it with a power-play goal in the final minute of the frame to take a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
That advantage wouldn't have been possible if not for the solid goaltending of Kyle Jones in Colorado's net. The goalie made 10 saves in the frame, highlighted by a pair of stops while sliding laterally during Bakersfield's only power play of the period.
The Eagles' tally came on their only power play of the period -- and as it would turn out, of the game -- when Liam Huculak was able to stuff home a Luka Vidmar rebound from the doorstep, accounting for his third goal in the past four games (his fifth of the season). The second assist went to Teegan Moore, who was signed earlier in the day, giving the amateur his first point as s professional in his first paid period of play.
Moore added to his successful debut by putting the Eagles up 2-0 less than three minutes into the second period. On the play, Joey Sides used his speed to race down the right wing, and although his initial chance was stopped by Bryan Pitton, he was able to collect his own rebound and threw it to the low slot where Moore was able to jam it home.
But Bakersfield would answer with a pair of goals from Evan Trupp to knot the game up. His first goal came five minutes in when he dove out of a battle with Gord Burnett in the slot and was able to knock home a rebound. And his second score came in similar fashion; following a pile-up on the doorstep, he snuck behind the net and was wide open when the puck found its way to him for a shot into the gaping side of the cage.
Jones continued his strong night with possibly his best work in the third period, stopping all 16 of the Condors' shots. Following one of his big saves, the puck moved the opposite direction and Alex Penner was able to beat Pitton with a shot from the left circle for the game-winner; it marked the second night in a row that Penner netted a goal (just his fourth of the year).
From there, the Eagles' defense stiffened, killing two more Condors power plays -- they had the final five of the contest -- and helping Jones to secure the big road win.
Colorado will continue its road trip this week with a pair of games Friday & Saturday in Utah.
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