With their backs against the walls, the Colorado Eagles defeated the Florida Everblades 4-2 to avoid elimination and force a series-deciding Game 7 that is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. EDT.
Forward Michael Joly led the way for the Eagles with three points in the victory — adding to his league-leading 28 points in the postseason.
The Eagles also received help in the back end, with Eagles goaltender Joe Cannata making 26 saves to help his team come away with the victory.
Eagles fans would not have to wait long for the first goal of the game, as forward Ryan Harrison took advantage of a loose puck in front of the net, burying it past Everblades goaltender Martin Oulette only 4:34 into the first period to give the Eagles the lead.
"A great forecheck leads to great opportunities." -Unknown #EaglesCountry #DefendTheCup pic.twitter.com/OELBehReNq
— Colorado Eagles (@ColoradoEagles) June 7, 2018
With the Everblades coming up with the equalizing goal a few minutes following the goal from Harrison, the two teams would exchange scoring chances. However, Joly got the last laugh of the first period, scoring on a breakaway to give the Eagles the lead to close out the first period.
Taking a lead into the 2nd period thanks to this beauty!#EaglesCountry #DefendTheCup pic.twitter.com/SXpsJXgQ62
— Colorado Eagles (@ColoradoEagles) June 7, 2018
With the Eagles holding the narrow lead over the Everblades, the Eagles’ special teams were given the opportunity to extend the lead — and they wouldn’t pass it up, as Eagles forward Jake Marto buried the puck top-shelf on the Everblades’ goaltender at the 8:13 mark of the second period to extend the Eagles’ lead.
🔝🧀
Yea Jake's got some silky mitts#EaglesCountry #DefendTheCup pic.twitter.com/6k8gGdSte4— Colorado Eagles (@ColoradoEagles) June 7, 2018
Heading into the third period with the 3-1 lead over the Everblades in an elimination game, the Eagles tightened up their defense to limit the Everblades’ chances.
Late in the final frame, Joly continued to be a difference-maker; notching his second goal of the game by taking advantage of the Everblades’ empty net to give the Eagles the 4-1 lead.
Everblades forward Justin Kea scored a second goal for his team, but it would be too late as the Eagles held on to the 4-2 victory to tie the series and force the all-important Game 7.