The 2006-2007 Ray Miron President’s Cup Finals continue Thursday as the series shifts from Northern Colorado to South Texas with the Colorado Eagles enjoying a 2 games to 0 lead over the Laredo Bucks after a pair of convincing home victories. While Game 3 is not technically a must win for Laredo, a loss would force them into the unenviable position of trying to become the first team ever in CHL/WPHL playoff history to complete a series comeback after falling behind 3-0.

Watch Finals Game 3 Live on CHLTV

Watch Highlights From Games 1 & 2

The positive for the Bucks is that they scored early in both games, and had won nine straight playoff games this season when doing so prior to the Finals. The down side is that both leads were shortlived, with the Eagles responding and gaining momentum from there on to post 5-2 and 5-2 wins. Second periods have been critical, with Colorado outscoring Laredo by a 6-0 margin in the middle periods of opening two contests. Neither power play has enjoyed remarkable success to date (Colorado is 2 of 10, Laredo 1 of 11), but the Eagles man advantage unit has looked much more sharp and created several quality chances, while aside from an early goal by Serge Dube in the opener, the Bucks power play unit has been largely ineffective.

Greg Pankewicz and Aaron Schneekloth have been dominant so far for Colorado, combining for seven goals and 10 points, with unsung hero Seth Leonard chipping in with a pair of goals and an assist. Jeff Bes (two goals, assist) is the only Buck with multiples points, with stars Don Margettie, Leo Thomas Adam Rivet and rookie All-Stars Bobby Chaumont and Chris Korchinski all pointless to date.

Laredo will likely need to get their home crowd into the game early, and get back to the physical style of play that has been their trademark since franchise inception, as Colorado has controlled play and been the aggressors in the season to date. Most importantly, the club has to regain the confidence it showed throughout the playoffs to date in rolling to three straight five game playoff series win. For Colorado, its business as usual, trying to maintain the momentum they’ve established by continuing their aggressive forecheck and scoring key goals at opportune times.

Quotables – Ray Miron President’s Cup Finals

Colorado Captain Greg Pankewicz in the Loveland Reporter Herald
"It’s far from over. They have been in the finals for four straight years. They are going to look at some game tape and make some changes.”

Laredo Coach Terry Ruskowski, in the Fort Collins Coloradoan
“We’re just out of sync, and we’ve got to get back, somehow, some way back into sync, playing the game we’re capable of playing. Hopefully, we’ll give them a better game back in Laredo.”