FINAL: Gulls 0, Eagles 2
Mar 9, 2019The Gulls were held scoreless tonight as the Colorado Eagles won 2-0 in their second game in as many nights. San Diego goaltender Kevin Boyle stopped 28 of 30 shots in the defeat.
There was little to no love lost from last night’s matchup against the Eagles as gloves were dropped just over five minutes into the game. Corey Tropp finished a hit on Colorado defenseman Mason Geertsen and after a few words were exchanged, so were fists. Both received five-minute fighting majors on the play.
Colorado broke the scoreless tie just over halfway through the first period. Eagles defenseman Mason Geertsen held the puck at the blue line just inside the Gulls zone, but had the puck deflected off his stick. Unfortunately for the Gulls, the loose puck went directly to A.J. Greer, whose shot deflected off Tim McGauley and past Boyle to give Colorado the lead with 7:33 left in the opening frame.
The goal marks McGauley’s second goal over 13 games played this season. A.J. Greer picked up an assist, giving him one point in each of the four games against San Diego this season (1G/3A).
In another defensive battle, the second period was without a goal. The Gulls killed two minor penalties in the middle frame, extending the team’s season-long streak to 17 consecutive kills without allowing a power-play goal.
Early into the third and final period, the Eagles gave themselves another great scoring opportunity. Kale Kessy disrupted San Diego’s entry into the zone and flipped the puck to a Scott Kosmachuk that was in full stride toward the other end of the ice. All alone on a breakaway, Kosmachuck shot the puck high on Boyle’s glove-side. He was unable to capitalize on the scoring chance as Boyle lifted his shoulder to block the shot.
Colorado added an insurance goal with a breakaway tally late in the third period. With the Gulls crashing the Eagles’ net, looking for the tying goal, McGauley lofted a pass to center ice. Greer beat everyone to the loose puck before racing in on the breakaway and beating Boyle with a move to his backhand, putting Colorado ahead 2-0 with just 2:54 left to play in the game.
The Gulls would create multiple scoring chances in the game’s final minutes, but couldn’t beat Martin as the Eagles earned their second shutout victory in as many nights.
The Gulls begin a three-game road trip Wednesday against the Bakersfield Condors at Rabobank Arena (6:30 p.m.).