LOVELAND, Colo. – With their backs against the wall, down 3 games to 2 in the Kelley Cup Finals series, Colorado Eagles fought back strong for a satisfying 4 -2 victory over the Florida Everblades.
Colorado struck first at 4:34 of the opening period when a pass from Teigan Zahn found it’s way to the tape of Ryan Harrison, camped out on the top of the crease, who subsequently deposited in the net of Martin Ouelette for the 1-0 Eagles lead.
#22 Ryan Harrison #2 Star of the Game
An unassisted breakaway for Joe Cox three minutes later lead to the equalizer for Florida at 7:28 into the first period and the game was even at 1-1.
In his first year with the Eagles, forward Michael Joly has shown some amazing puck skills and the proverbial nose for the net all great goal scorers possess. His stats this regular season in just 52 games played include 41 goals and 26 assists for 67 points. He has continued this scoring pace into the playoffs – adding 2 goals and 1 assist to his totals in game 6 for a playoff record of 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points in 23 games to date.
#16 Michael Joly #1 Star of the Game
Joly’s first goal tonight resulted from a steal in the defensive zone and a quick trip to the net of Ouelette and clean shot into the right corner to beat the Everblades netminder for the 2 -1 score at the end of one period.
Veteran Eagles defenseman, Jake Marto, garnered the only score in the middle frame as a pass from Joly produced a backhanded shot that beat Ouelette at the 8:13 mark.
#25 Jake Marto 3rd Star of the Game
With a 3-1 lead entering the final period of play there was no scoring until 18:39 into the third as Florida pulled their goalie to attempt to generate some offense. Michael Joly scored his second goal of the night into the open net for a 4-1 Colorado advantage.
After the faceoff at center ice, Ouelette left his cage again and this time it worked for the Everblades as Justin Kea brought his team to within two goals at 4-2 which would be the final score as Florida was unable to capitalize again in the remaining 24 seconds.
There will indeed be a Game Seven to decide this series as seems only right with as hard as both teams have battled over the course of last 2 weeks.
That final contest will take place on Saturday, June 9th at 5:00 P.M. MT at Germaine Arena in Estero, Florida.
Article and photos courtesy of terry.sanford@prohockeynews.com
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