SAN DIEGO, Calif. –– After a surge of victories in January and February, the Colorado Eagles have finally risen to  the first-place seat in the Pacific Division with a victory over the Coachella Valley Firebirds (SEA) on Wednesday. But, maintaining the position will be no effortless task.

Going into Friday’s game against the San Diego Gulls (ANA), Colorado held on to a mere two-point lead over Coachella Valley, though sporting two games in hand. The 3–1 victory over the home team kept the buffer alive, especially with the Firebirds’ victory over the Bakersfield Condors (EDM).

Despite the Gulls jumping on the scoreboard early with a 2–6 shot deficit, the Eagles made quick work and responded to tie the game up only four minutes later. Colorado went on throughout the game to collect 24 shots, with standout performances from Jayson Megna and Chris Wagner.

Takeaways

Eagles newcomer William Dufour made a quick impact on the team after being acquired in the Colorado Avalanche’s exchange for Brock Nelson at the trade deadline on Friday, March 7. He picked up his first assist with Megna’s goal to tie the game up at one in his debut, certainly setting the scene for what is coming.

He had previously picked up eight goals and 10 assists with the Bridgeport Islanders prior to his arrival in Colorado.

T.J. Tynan made a quick exit off the ice, followed by the Eagles trainer early in the game. The 33-year-old forward has notched eight goals and 37 assists throughout the 2024-2025 season and is an integral part of the Eagles’ power play unit. At game end, there was no update on his status.

Megna made quite the night for himself and has made a tremendous impact on the organization this season. After going through a dry spell and scoring his last goal on January 25 against the Henderson Silver Knights (VGK), he led the night with five shots and two goals, bringing his season tally to 12 and 26, respectively.

Offensively, the Colorado Eagles are in good shape. Chris Wagner lit the lamp for the 14th time of the season mere seconds after Megna opened the scoring in the third period. Bryan Yoon, Jake Wise, and Ivan Ivan  all took two attempts on the net and helped consistently apply offensive pressure.

The rest of the season is as high stakes as it comes for playoff seeding. The team has two more matchups against Coachella Valley and another two-game bout against the Ontario Reign (LAK), both of which are within one game of reclaiming the lead.

Upcoming

Colorado will take on the Gulls again tomorrow at 7 p.m. MDT to wrap up the road trip. AHLTV on FloHockey.com will stream the game.