LOVELAND, Colo. – A much more disciplined and determined Colorado Eagles team took to the ice in game four of the Pacific Division semifinals series against the Ontario Reign. Unlike game three, played two nights earlier, Wednesday nights game was fast, exciting, and most of all entertaining hockey.
Once again Colorado scored first with Trent Daavattilia knocking a Kyle Kraemer feed past Jussi Olkinoura’s at
Daavettila #45 scores on Olkinoura #31
2:12 for the early 1-0 lead. The second goal of the first period also belonged to the Eagles when Vatalijs Pavlovs, assisted by Chris Knowlton, scored at 11:03.
However the next three consecutive goals were tallied by the Reign. In the closing seconds of first period a goal created by a scrum in front of Clarke Saunders net was credited to Judd Blackwater assisted by Gaspar Kopitar and Matt Register.
Blackwater got on the scoreboard again in the second frame at 10:13 on the power play with Colorado forward Brock Nixon in the box for tripping. Ontario goal number three came from Gary Nunn at 13:58 to put the Reign ahead 3-2.
Down by one in the waning minutes of the middle frame Colorado Captain, Daavattila, patiently held the puck until the right moment to tie the game back up on an Eagles power play opportunity.
In the third period both teams sought to break the 3-3 tie in their favor. It was the Eagles who were able to take advantage of a late power play chance and get the game winner from Nixon at 14:39.
Judd Blackwater #9 skates in on Clarke Saunders #33
A frenzied four minutes and twenty one seconds followed the go-ahead goal by the Eagles. Yet even with Olkinoura on the bench for the extra skater for the final minute and thirteen seconds the Colorado Eagles were able to hang on for the 4-3 victory.
With the series now tied at two wins apiece the Pacific Division semi’s suddenly becomes a best two out of three with the first of the three – Game 5 at the Budweiser Events Center on Friday night at 7:05 P.M. Game 6 will be in Ontario, Ca. at Citizens Bank Arena on Monday April 26 at 7:00 P.M. PDT with Game 7, if needed, on Tuesday April 27 also in Ontario, Ca. at Citizens Bank Arena at 7:P.M. PDT.
Contact the Author/Photographer at terry.sanford@prohockeynews.com
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