Oskar Olausson scored his first goal in over a month to seal the overtime victory against the Roadrunners.
The Colorado Eagles had a quick turnaround with an afternoon game against the Tucson Roadrunners (UTA). Colorado will have some temporary firepower added to the lineup with the reassignment of Givani Smith from the Colorado Avalanche. John Ludvig joined on a conditioning loan, also from the Avalanche. Last night, the Eagles won a thrilling game in Tucson that went down to the last minute. Calle Rosén stepped up with a two goal performance to add on Tye Felhaber’s two point night. Trent Miner’s victory also helped the Eagles jump two places in the Pacific Division to fourth place. Here are the takeaways from the 3–2 overtime victory against Tucson.
Olausson steals the puck and feeds Jake Wise for his 7th of the year. Wise’s first goal in a month! secondary assist coming from Mark Senden. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/a4Qco1RuFt
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) December 29, 2024
Takeaways
The Eagles brought Adam Scheel in as a third-string goaltender, and he has been stellar so far. The injury of Kevin Mandolese opened up the chance for Scheel to be the backup to Miner. Scheel didn’t look panicked in high-pressure situations and can make himself “big” in the net when he needs to. The only shot that beat him tonight was a rebound off of the back boards after a cross ice pass.
Eagles were THIS close to the go ahead goal but the goal was reviewed and then reversed. Game remains tied at 1. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/wzptFnJtp1
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) December 30, 2024
The power play had been suffering in the last few games. The Eagles have scored only once in 14 chances on the power play in the last three games. Changes in player personnel have a little to do with it, as the team has gotten some players back from injury. Over passing has a lot to do with it. In Colorado’s last power play tonight, they passed the puck 10 times before making any shot attempt on the net. A recurring theme in the organization seems to be the problem, since the Avalanche were having the same issue not too long ago.
Chris Wagner makes up for the goal that was called back with another one. He whips around and takes the lead for the Eagles in the third! Assists from Nikita Prishchepov and Jean-Luc Foudy #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/0oYJHWh8TW
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) December 30, 2024
Chris Wagner and Oskar Olausson were excellent with the even strength play tonight. Late in the third period, Wagner forced through a shot that was later reviewed and the call was reversed. Wagner then made up for it with the game tying goal after Nikita Prishchepov fought to keep the puck along the boards. Olausson showed some strength on the stick early in the first period as he lifted the Roadrunners’ stick to steal the puck and send the pass to Jake Wise for the opening goal. The Swede tapped off the game with a nice backhand shot in overtime to win the game. The shoulder injury for Olausson has really set him back this season. He looks like he just getting comfortable again.
OSKAR OLAUSSON FOR THE OT WIN!!!! Megna and MacDonald on the assists. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/pDceLx2wL9
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) December 30, 2024
Upcoming
The Eagles will fly to Palm Desert, California, for a one game hit against the Coachella Valley Firebirds (SEA) at Acrisure Arena on Tuesday at 6 p.m.