Condors move up the standings thank to 2-1 win versus Eagles in Colorado
The Condors score twice in the space of 89 seconds during the second period, for all the goals they need to clinch an important two points on the road.
Don't look now, but the Bakersfield Condors are moving up the standings in the Pacific Division, while still having at least three games in hand on every team above them. This team is for real and the rest of the Western Conference needs to be weary of what they are capable of.
The Condors' latest game on Tuesday night, saw them collect a hard-earned two points on the road in Colorado. You can make the case that they were second-best in the game, but all that matters is that they secured a 2-1 win versus the Eagles.
Playing in front of 5,089 fans at Blue Arena, the opening period was fairly even, as the hosts held a slender 11-10 advantage in shots on goal. It was still scoreless after 20 minutes, but this all changed in the second period.
All of the scoring comes in the second
Peter Holland opened the scoring at the 3:10 mark of the middle period, courtesy of the power play. Olivier Rodrigue was able to stop Brad Hunt's initial shot from the left wing, but was helpless to save Holland's follow-up off the rebound and it was 1-0 to the Eagles.
The second period saw the Eagles again hold a slender advantage in shots on goal, this time at 10-9. However, it was the visitors who would prove to be more clinical, striking twice in the span of just 89 seconds for a 2-1 lead.
The first came just seconds after Rodrigue's best save of the night, with Dino Kambeitz releasing a pinpoint pass down the right wing on the break for Ty Tullio to latch onto. Tullio then calmly finished past Trent Miner at the far post to tie the game 1-1 at the 14:20 mark of the second period.
Next, Carter Savoie took advantage of a turnover before rounding Miner, who had come out of his net to try and neutralise the threat. Savoie calmly slotted home and the Condors had an advantage which they would not relinquish.
Rodrigue stands tall during final 20 minutes
In this respect, it was the third period where Rodrigue really earned his money, as he stopped all 12 shots he faced. He finished the game with 32 saves on 33 attempts, and yet somehow was not named as one of the game's Three Stars.
Regardless, Rodrigue continues to have his best season to date, with him on course for career bests with a .924 save percentage and 2.49 Goals Against Average. He also recorded his 11th win of 2023-24, which leaves him just three short of his single-season high from a season ago.
The Condors now have points in 18 of their past 22 games, going 15-4-3 over the same period. They are also now 22-3-2 in contests this season, where they have at least a share of the lead after two periods.
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To really get an idea of how impressive the Condors' victory was, consider that the Eagles entered the night third in the Pacific Division, having won 10 of their previous 12 games. The season series between the two teams is now split at 2-2.
With the win the Condors move up to sixth in the Pacific Division and now have the fourth-best points percentage in the Western Conference. Next up they have a rematch with the Eagles on Wednesday night, also in Colorado.
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