Eagles Come From Behind for 3-2 Game One Victory

In a thriller in Game One of the Northern Conference Finals on Wednesday night, the Colorado Eagles came from behind for a 3-2 overtime victory over the Mississippi RiverKings at the Budweiser Events Center taking a 1-0 series lead.  It was the third straight playoff overtime win for the Eagles who have gone to OT in three straight contests.

Colorado/Mississippi Box Score

Mississippi took charge early outshooting the Eagles 33-15 through two periods and holding a 2-0 lead thanks to a first period goal from Bobby Chaumont and a second period goal from Martin Gascon.  Colorado received great goaltending in the first 40 minutes keeping them in the game as Mississippi had many opportunities to extend their lead and take away any chance for a comeback for Colorado.

But with Penner’s great goaltending, the Eagles gave themselves a chance as veteran Ryan TObler pulled his team to within a goal at the 15:20 mark of the third period and then tied the game less than three minutes later sending the opening game of the series to overtime.

In the overtime, both teams went up and down the ice with numerous chances but it was Ed McGrane who finished things off scoring the game winner at the 6:43 mark of the extra session.  It was McGrane’s fifth goal of the post-season.

Penner finished the game with 43 saves improving to 5-0 and the CHL’s Most Outstanding Goaltender from the regular season, Kevin Beech, made 35 saves taking the loss.

Game Two is scheduled for Friday night in Colorado.