LOVELAND, Colo. — After eight days of rest, the Colorado Eagles look to start their very first AHL Western Conference Final against the Chicago Wolves (CAR). We got a sneak peek of what the series would look like back in February, when the two teams met for four straight games. On Thursday night, special teams clipped the wings of the Eagles as the Wolves took a one-game series lead with a 3–2 victory.
First period
From the outset, the quick tempo of play was clear. The Eagles put on the pressure early, getting below the goal line and creating chances. As mentioned in our preview, special teams played an important role in the opening frame. After some heavy pressure by the Eagles, the Wolves rushed down the ice and drew a tripping infraction on Sean Behrens. Less than one minute later, Ryan Suzuki threw a shot off Trent Miner’s chest, and Justin Robidas was there to clean up the garbage for the opening goal.
First goal goes to Justin Robidas on the PP as they pick up a rebound down low while Miner is out of the play. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @HockeyMtnHighCO pic.twitter.com/OoOPlG407k
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) May 29, 2026
Colorado quickly recovered by getting themselves a pair of power-play opportunities. The second one is the one that paid off, as Skyler Brind’Amour went to the box. T.J. Tynan sent a pass across the ice that was tipped on its way to Alex Barré-Boulet by Tristen Nielsen to make it one goal apiece.
ALEX BARRE-BOULET! BB ties to the game at 1 on the PP after a missed shot in the slot and the pass from TJ Tynan! Secondary assist from Tristen Nielsen #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @HockeyMtnHighCO pic.twitter.com/nRDbSx80XQ
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) May 29, 2026
Second period
The middle frame started much like the first, with a ton of speed. Colorado was on the power-play thanks to a Cal Foote hook at the end of the first. Just 30 seconds into the period, Jack Ahcan sped into the zone and passed it to T.J. Hughes for the shot. Nielsen grabbed the rebound to take a 2–1 lead.
TRISTEN NIELSEN! Nielsen takes the lead right after the PP expires and with the help from the rookie TJ Hughes and Jack Ahcan! #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @HockeyMtnHighCO pic.twitter.com/o8sTPmhbsK
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) May 29, 2026
Trends continued with the Wolves as Taylor Makar was caught on a holding call. Chicago got the puck down low and hesitated, throwing Miner off. Bradly Nadeau snapped a shot right past Miner’s ear for his second of the playoffs and to tie the game back up. As Barre-Boulet sat in the box for roughing, Chicago converted once again on the chance as Noel Gunler took a bad-angle shot for the 3–2 lead.
“Discipline is obviously something you want to address,” said head coach Mark Letestu. “Penalties happen. This is an emotional game. Sticks are going to get in spots where penalties happen. Penalty kill probably wasn’t as sharp as it has been. Obviously, it’s been very good for us, and the layoff, I think, was one of those things that probably, really helped with some of that, or heard it, should say, you know, but they pose a challenge, they got a good power play unit, we’ll get into the film, we’ll make some adjustments.”
Third period
That final period proved toughest for the Eagles. Chicago went into shutdown mode and played keep-away from the Eagles. Despite outshooting the Wolves 9–2 in the third, Colorado couldn’t find the back of the net. The Eagles found several chances with under two minutes remaining as Miner sat on the bench for the extra man. But they could not get one through Cayden Primeau as he held strong for the Wolves to win 3–2.
Takeaways
Colorado did not allow an even-strength goal the entire game, but allowed three power-play goals. If they can stay disciplined on Saturday, the Eagles should have no issues keeping up with the Wolves. Both teams were trying to use their speed to their advantage, but Colorado used the altitude as another one. Chicago was looking worn down by the middle of the third period, and had the Eagles been tied or had the lead, they could have out-skated them. Having Jack Ahcan back with the Eagles helped their defense tremendously. Obviously he will eat up a ton of minutes, but struggled at first after sitting out for the last week with the Colorado Avalanche.
“That’s just some of the reads, some of the offensive plays were there,” said Letestu of Ahcan. “And just the amount that we’re putting him on the ice, I think it’s there’s there’s an acclimation period to it, but I thought he was an effective player, you know, him like a lot of guys, I think there’s there’s a little bit more, right, but game one, tight game, it’s gonna be a long series.”
Up next
Colorado will battle in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night at 6 p.m. MT in Loveland. Channel 3 in Denver and AHLTV on FloHockey.com will stream the game.
