Eagles Run Into Buzzsaw, Elimination in Game 3

LOVELAND, Colo. – In four seasons of AHL playoff elimination games, the Colorado Eagles have a record of two wins and five losses. However, the Eagles have never faced an elimination game in a best-of-three series. On Sunday afternoon, both scenarios collided as Colorado hosted Abbotsford for Game 3 of a tied first-round series. The winner would move on to face the Ontario Reign in the Pacific Division Semifinals.

FIRST PERIOD

The Eagles seized the shots on goal lead to start period one. Colorado boasted a power play chance and a 7-1 shot advantage in the first eight minutes of gameplay. After Eagles forward Jean-Luc Foudy was whistled for slashing at 8:19, Abbotsford began to create some chances on the man advantage. A 4-on-4 situation led to Canucks centerman Max Sasson advancing the puck and slicing through a couple of Eagles defenders. A cross-ice pass to left winger Arshdeep Bains resulted in a toe-drag wrist shot and first score of the game at 14:42 of period one. The 1-0 Abbotsford lead would stand heading into the first intermission.

SECOND PERIOD

Colorado began period two with a couple of quality chances from forward Chris Wagner. The resulting back and forth was due to an increased effort on both sides of the puck from each team. After four shots on goal in a row for Abbotsford, Colorado finished the period with eight straight unanswered chances. However, Canucks netminder Zach Sawchenko was dialed in, making back-to-back sprawling saves on the Eagles, keeping the score firmly at 1-0.

THIRD PERIOD

Abbotsford continued its success in net to start the final regulation frame. After a high sticking penalty from Chase Wouters at 2:11, Sawchenko dazzled yet again with another sprawling save on the resulting Colorado power play. The Calgary native faced the period’s first nine shots on goal, standing tall and turning them all aside. Sawchenko’s success spurred a sense of desperation from both the Eagles and its fans.

Desperation turned into opportunity Colorado as time wound down in the third. Canucks forward Aatu Räty was called for goaltender interference at 16:38, giving Colorado a late power play chance to tie it up. With just over two minutes left in the third, defenseman Sam Malinski blasted the puck through traffic and into the back of the net at 17:44. The 1-1 score stood until 0.00 hit the game clock, pushing this series into overtime for the second straight game.

OVERTIME

Just like the rest of the game (and series), both teams went back and forth with purpose in the extra frame of Game 3. Solid scoring chances on both Sawchenko and Colorado’s Ivan Prosvetov ended in big saves to continue play. It wasn’t until Abbotsford left winger Tristen Nielsen placed a pass in front to an advancing Wouters that it all changed. Wouters angled his stick perfectly, angling the puck by Prosvetov to end the game at 8:46 of overtime.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The Abbotsford Canucks win Game 3 and the series, moving on to the Pacific Division Semis to face the Ontario Reign. The Eagles see an opening round exit for the first time since their inaugural AHL season in 2018-19.  An eye will now be on the Avalanche as to who they will grab as Black Aces for NHL Colorado’s ongoing postseason push.