BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Colorado Eagles start the longest road trip of the season that spans 12 days, six games and four teams. They will start game one against the Bakersfield Condors (EDM) 2–0–2–0 this season. The Eagles are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, as they have been fighting for first place in the Pacific Division over the last couple of weeks. Recent call-up Briley Wood made his AHL debut after playing 56 games for the ECHL Utah Grizzlies. The Eagles pushed the game all the way to a shootout, but would fall 4–3. Here are my takeaways from the shootout loss.

Takeaways

Colorado improved on their power play that has been struggling on the road as of late. The Eagles have converted only 14.6 percent of their chances on the road. Tonight, they converted two out of three chances to gain the lead in the second period. The first goal by Jack Ahcan was only his fourth of the season, a seeing-eye shot from the point. The second goal helped Chris Wagner extend his goal scoring streak to four games.

The Eagles spent a lot of time in the penalty box as they had to kill off five penalties in the game. They killed off every penalty with ease and added a shorthanded goal from Tye Felhaber. It was the team’s 10th shorthanded goal of the season, good for third in the AHL. The goal was also Felhaber’s third goal in two games and fifth point in three games.

Seth Griffith’s goal, 30 seconds into the game, ended Trent Miner’s 171:03 shutout streak, marking the Condors’ first shot on goal. With Miner’s performance over the last three games, it has put the Eagles in a prominent position to start this road trip. They will go into game two of the trip just two points out of first place and four games in hand on Coachella Valley (SEA). They also have a two point lead over the Calgary Wranglers (CGY) with four games in hand.

Upcoming

The Eagles will take on the Henderson Silver Knights (VGK) on Saturday at the Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada at 2 p.m. MT