The Colorado Eagles scored a goal with 2.5 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the opening game of the Kelly Cup Finals against the South Carolina Stingrays, then won in double-overtime to take the early series lead.
Matt Register, the reigning ECHL Defenseman of the Year, scored the golden goal 10:52 into the second overtime period for Colorado. It was another Matt who provided the true dramatics for the Eagles. Matt Garbowsky, who scored 81 points this season, netted both Colorado goals in regulation, including one to tie the game 2-2 with only 2.5 seconds remaining in regulation. He opened the scoring by knocking home a rebound late in the first period.
The Stingrays would answer at 10:14 of the second period on a Scott Tanski deflection. They took the lead with only 3:33 to play in regulation of a nifty goal by Steven McParland to beat Lukas Hafner. But Garbowsky gave Colorado life and Hafner made 11 saves in overtime, including 10 in the first OT, to deliver the win.
The ECHL Kelly Cup Finals continue on Sunday at Budweiser Events Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. MDT.
Featured Image Credit: Colorado Eagles, Standout Imagery