HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Henderson Silver Knights unfortunately needed to learn their lesson on penalty trouble the hard way.
On Saturday, the Silver Knights fell short in a hotly contested matchup against the Pacific Division-leading Colorado Eagles, falling 5-2.
Early on, the Eagles were able to take advantage of a turnover in the neutral zone. The ensuing odd-man rush was finished off by Jayson Megna, who beat Lindbom on the short side.
Still in the first period, Colorado’s power play got a nice break. With just seconds to go, Ronnie Attard got a shot off from the point. The puck would end up hitting off of a Henderson block, changing its trajectory past Lindbom’s outstretched glove and into the net to double the lead.
Needing a push in the second period, the Silver Knights got what they were looking for. The top line did an excellent job hemming the Eagles into the offensive zone, with Ben Hemmerling stripping the puck and keeping it towards the net. Tanner Laczynski was able to find Jonas Rondbjerg for a quick-forming play to cut the Colorado lead in half.
“We played consistently together for a long time now,” said Rondbjerg about his line. “We’re starting to get to know each other on the ice, so it’s been fun.”
With momentum quickly forming, the Silver Knights looked to take advantage and get the game tied. Jeremy Davies’s slapshot was found behind the net by Jakub Brabenec, who saw an opportunity with Eagles goaltender Isak Posch out of position. Showing shades of former Golden Knight William Carrier, Brabenec hit an excellent wraparound shot to even the score at two.
Unfortunately, things got away from the Silver Knights in the third period due to penalty trouble. It would cost them twice in the final frame, starting with a five-on-three power play goal from Danil Gushchin. Shortly after, the Silver Knights would have a defensive breakdown on four-on-four, allowing former player T.J. Tynan to score on a wide open look to restore Colorado’s two-goal lead.
“What I didn’t like was our special teams,” said head coach Ryan Craig. “Our attention to detail on those special teams, the penalties that lead to those special teams including the four-on-four. Five-on-five, I thought we were arguably the better team. We just need to do a better job on special teams.”
The Silver Knights tried to push with an empty net, but Tristan Nielson would only push the lead further to end the game 5-2.