The Eagles fell to the K-Wings 2-1 in overtime last night. Clarke Saunders returned from injury and started in net for Colorado. He looked a bit rusty, but overall had a good game. Took a blow to the head that knocked his helmet off, but didn't look any worse for the wear. The overtime goal was a 2 on 1 rush where Saunders blocked the first shot, but let the rebound bounce right onto the tape of Patrick Kennedy for the game winner with 24 seconds left in OT.
Darryl Bootland returned and was his usual feisty self. He also looked rusty. He took a big hit into the boards and was a little slow to get up, but finished the game. His spark is much needed on this Colorado team right now.
Colin Joe also returned from injury and scored the only Eagles goal of the night on a nice pass from Chris Knowlton.
The Eagles looked like they had a pretty good jump in their step for most of the game, but didn't look very smooth with the lineups being changed due to the return of the injured players. You could tell they hadn't been playing together lately, as there were quite a few passes that were just off enough to slow down charges into the zone. Hopefully the rust will shake off soon.
Calgary and Adirondack both lost last night, keeping both teams on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. Calgary is off tonight and playing Sunday at the Central Division leading Nashville Predators. Adirondack is at home tonight against Oklahoma City. They continue to have injuries, with another forward out for the season, and a 2nd forward out with concussion symptoms.
The Eagles look to rebound tonight in game 2 of the 3 game set against Kalamazoo. Colorado is now on a season high 5 game losing streak and must start winning now, or the playoffs will start on the road for them. Idaho and Ontario both won last night to pull an additional point ahead of the 3rd place Eagles. Idaho is at Utah tonight and Ontario is at Bakersfield.
Tonight the Eagles will raise to the rafters the jersey of Ryan Tobler. "Tobes" was a fan favorite and is in the top 3 or 4 of most Eagles stats in their history. Here are some numbers:
416 points (4th)
182 goals (3rd)
234 assists (5th)
940 PIM (3rd)
Tobler also played 4 games for the NHL Tampa Bay Lightning in 2001-02 recording no points and 1 fight.
His jersey retirement is well deserved and long overdue. It will be nice to see him in the building tonight one last time. Here is a link to his only NHL fight (look how young he looks!).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmZaKm6nYAI
Colorado must step up and get a win tonight. No excuse for losing at home on Ryan Tobler night. Coach Chris Stewart usually makes sure that the team knows that they do not lose on nights like this, so I expect to see 110% effort out there tonight.
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