Eagles take a 3-2 series lead with 4-1 win over Reign

LOVELAND, Colo. – AHL returnee Taylor Vause proved his worth with a three assist night leading the Eagles to a four to one victory in Game 5 of the Pacific Division semifinals series. Colorado now leads the best of seven series 3 games to 2.

Taylor Vause #13 for the Eagles battles Reign players Maxim Kitsyn #13 and Gaspar Kopitar #26

Vause had this to say about his contributions to the Eagles efforts;

“One of my attributes is my speed and I knew I could bring a little bit of extra energy and a little bit of jump and hopefully just add a little bit more depth to the lineup.”

Eagles Kyle Kraemer#19 throws the puck past Jussi Olkinoura #31 of the Reign

Starting the scoring for the Eagles was Kyle Kraemer who popped one by reaching Jussi Olkinoura at 8:50 of the first period Vause and Colin Joe assisted on the ice breaker to take the 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Winning the first period bodes well for the final outcome in games in this series with the team leading after period one winning all four games so far. (Make that five after tonight.)

Ontario’s lone goal of the evening was scored in the

Eagles net minder #33 Clark Saunders prepares for the next Reign onslaught

second period on a controversial play after Eagles defenseman Colin Joe was knocked down near the benches allowing Ontario’s Judd Blackwater an unfettered chance against Eagles netminder Clark Saunders..

Answering back at 8:07 was Eagles Captain, Trent Daavittila who received a pass from Vause and put home the puck while on a five on three power play opportunity.

Early in the third period it was Teigan Zahn, assisted by Derrick Rodwell and Taylor Vause, giving the Eagles a 3- 1 lead with a hard slapshot past Olkinoura at 5:42.

Brock Nixon who had the winning goal in Game 4 sealed the deal for Colorado with an exciting breakaway goal off a pass from Nathan Moon at the 11:50 mark of the third period for what was to be the final score of 4-1 for the home team.

Leading in the series 3 games to 2 the Eagles return to Ontario to face the Reign on their home turf for game six and possibly seven to be played Monday April 26th and if needed Tuesday April 27th. Both games to be played  at Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario Ca. at 7:00 P.M. PDT.

Contact the Author/Photographer at terry.sanford@prohockeynews.com