A three goal first period by the Barracuda led to a 4–3 loss for the Eagles to end the road trip.
The Colorado Eagles had one of their best road trips so far this season. They won three out of four games of the five game road trip. Last night, Colorado scored four unanswered against the San Jose Barracuda (SJS) for the 4–2 victory. The Colorado Avalanche had recalled goaltender Tent Miner with the ankle injury to Scott Wedgewood and today they recalled forward Tye Felhaber. Tonight, the Eagles wrapped up their five game road trip before heading home for six games. Here are my takeaways from the 4–3 loss to the Barracuda.
Maros Jedlicka with the hard work down low for his second of the year! Ludvig and Rosén for the assists #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/cnOyr6WzGt
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 6, 2025
Takeaways
Goaltender Kevin Mandolese returned tonight from a lower-body injury that he got on December 8 against the Abbotsford Canucks (VAN). At first, you could tell Mandolese needed to get a few shots to get comfortable. He allowed three goals in the first nine shots on the goal, but then locked it down. Mandolese allowed only one more goal in the next 24 shots on net. His turn to health could not have come at a more fortunate time, with Miner being recalled. The Eagles would have had only Adam Scheel to tend the crease unless they called someone up from the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL).
Jack Ahcan nails it from one knee on the one timer!!!!! With the setup coming from Phillips and MacDonald #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/yNSnwQ78ad
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 6, 2025
Defenseman Jacob MacDonald took charge of the game with 10 shots on goal. Besides that, he added a goal and an assist. MacDonald helped the Eagles break through on the scoreboard by snapping a pass to Matthew Phillips on the run and Jack Ahcan buried it. Later, MacDonald one-timed a shot to shrink the lead to one goal. He has been a leader by example the entire season for the young group, and tonight is just one of those moments.
Jacob MacDonald with a hard one timer for his second point of the night and ninth goal of the season! Jack Ahcan credited with the assist and tallies his second point of the night. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/zbLmDGhdim
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 6, 2025
Fatigue was an obvious factor in the game today. Colorado was lacking in their normal speed, shooting and passing accuracy, and rushing to the net. The Eagles had trouble pushing the play forward until they had to when they were behind. Colorado only pushed the play in the second period, after they were down by three goals.
Upcoming
The Eagles will head home to Blue Arena in Loveland, Colorado for a six-game home stand that begins on Friday, January 10th against the Calgary Wranglers at 7 p.m.