The Colorado Eagles are soaring high, and they've got their sights set on the Calder Cup. After a dominant postseason run, the team has punched their ticket to the third round of the AHL playoffs. That's right—there's another Colorado hockey squad chasing championship glory, and this one is just three series away from hockey immortality.
The Eagles will now face off against the Coachella Valley Firebirds in a battle for the Pacific Division crown. It's a best-of-five showdown that promises plenty of intensity, especially since these two teams know each other well. The Firebirds, the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, enter as the fourth seed, giving the second-seeded Eagles the coveted home-ice advantage. The series kicks off on the road with two games starting Wednesday, so expect the Eagles to bring their A-game from the opening puck drop.
Colorado's playoff journey began back in April with a play-in first-round series against the San Diego Gulls. The Eagles wasted no time, sweeping the best-of-three matchup 2-0 in just two home games. Trent Miner was a wall between the pipes, recording a 16-save shutout in a 3-0 opener, followed by a 6-1 offensive explosion that sealed the deal. Defenseman Sean Behrens lit the lamp, while newly signed prospect Matthew DeMarsico also found the back of the net. Ivan Ivan and Taylor Makar added empty-net goals, with Ivan earning the team's player of the week honors after posting three points in the series.
The second round proved to be a stiffer test against the Henderson Silver Knights in a best-of-five affair. The Eagles hit the road and came away with a split, thanks to a gritty 1-0 victory in Game 1—Miner's second shutout of the postseason with 18 saves. A tough 4-3 overtime loss followed, but Colorado bounced back in a big way at home. Miner delivered his third shutout of the playoffs in a 5-0 win, stopping 20 shots, before the Eagles closed out the series with a 6-2 rout. Contributions came from all over the lineup, including goals from TJ Hughes and Gavin Brindley, who showcased the kind of hard-nosed effort that defines championship hockey.
With the third round set, the Eagles are riding a wave of momentum. Their depth, goaltending, and relentless attack have been the story of these playoffs. Now, it's all about taking that next step toward the Calder Cup. Buckle up, hockey fans—this ride is just getting started.