November 20, 2025 • 31 mins
This week on Between the Benches, David Mooradian and Patrick Moore break down the Roadrunners’ upcoming rematch againist the Colorado Eagles who are in 1st place in the Westeren Divison. They are joined with the voice of the Colorado Eagles Kevin McGlue. From key players to the offside rule they get you ready for puck drop.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
From Roadrunners Weekly. This is Between the Benches. You're all
access preview love the week ahead. We'll look at the
road runners upcoming opponents, get the inside story, and here
directly from the voices and players that know them best.
With David Mradian and Patrick Moore.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Welcome back to Between the Benches, the Tucson Roadrunners Podcast.
David murrady and joined by Patrick Moore. We're going to
hear from Kevin mcglue, the voice of the Colorado Eagles.
In just a few minutes, he'll recap what we saw
up in the Rockies, and what we saw Patrick was
pretty inspiring. We'll get to that in a few minutes.
And we're also going to preview what we're expecting this
weekend at the TCC Games three and four between the
(00:41):
Eagles and the road Runners. But let's go back to
what I just said. Let's be honest, Patrick, A lot
of people, including ourselves, we viewed this as not only
a test, but a challenging test for the Roadrunners to complete.
Right think of it, we want to use the college analogy.
I know our producer Michael is maybe fed up with
me making all these college analogies, but let's just do this.
(01:03):
Not only was this a test for the Roadrunners, but
this was an upper level course. Right, This is kind
of the last one. As you're climbing to your degree,
you're in the four hundred levels. Now stuff is getting
pretty complicated. This is an intro to whatever this is.
Four hundred level concepts are being built. This was a
challenging test and they passed it.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Right.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
For the first forty five minutes of game one, the
Roadrunners were right there with Colorado. They had a lead
in the first period, highly competitive and then game two
start to finish, why or to wire the road Runners
were the better team. They leaned on a very impressive
performance from Jackson Stauber or something I think in the
organization I've been waiting for, and certainly they got it.
And that was the goaltender that they've been looking forward
(01:43):
to seeing. And he's done some good things and maybe
had some bad luck, but Jackson Stauber was exceptional in
that second game against Colorado. So, like I said, it
was a challenging test. This wasn't one oh one introduction level.
This was difficult. They passed it, and I think they
made a statement.
Speaker 3 (01:58):
How do you assess the series? Patrick David. I honestly
thought they played a great series. I do on only
have a lot of complaints. Obviously, it was a disappointing
third period. They gave up the three goals, and sometimes
it just happens, you know, we're you're playing a tough
team like Colorado, where you're right there with them neck
and neck, and then all of a sudden, they got
They got a couple of power play goals on some
set plays that were very impressive to me watching the game.
(02:22):
But I think, as to your point, they just they
were there, right there, and they definitely passed the test.
I really think it was the best games they played
up to this point of the season, and it's unfortunate
that they weren't able to get a sweep or you know,
at least get a point in Game one, because I thought,
you know, maybe they'd capitalize on a couple of good
opportunities that Trent Minor, who played really well for the
(02:44):
Eagles on Friday, you know, so I just think it
was it was a great kind of a reset from
the past couple of games at home, and this will
give him some confidence heading into this weekend.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
One player that was back, Kevin Rooney, played very well,
and I don't think it's Look, I don't think it's
a coincidence, right that they played their best hockey at
the beginning of the season when he was on the ice.
They were three and one after four games, and we
just said maybe their most impressive series of the year.
Kevin Rooney was back with the team, so I think
he deserves a lot of credit. And the lines now
(03:16):
starting to look very familiar to what we saw at
the beginning of the season, at least what coach Podmin
rolled with on the fifteenth, the second game against Colorado,
it was Boot, Rooney and Walker. Those three were together
on opening night. And it was McCartney, Paganski and he Baked.
Those three were together on opening night. So you spend
the whole summer who's going to play well together? How
(03:36):
are we going to practice together? And those two combinations
were what you know, Steve Povin came away with. And
now with Rooney back, he's able to go back to
what he saw in the summer and what his game
plan was, So I think that was certainly a positive sign.
And also I thought the Roadrunners got terrific production from
their defenders, especially in the second game right, A shutout
(03:56):
doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's not just Jackson. Stauber
played great, and give him a lot of credit, but
he got some support in front. I thought Max and
mav together did a really nice job and do to
and Prunovich continue to be a very impressive tandem. So defensively,
the Roadrunners did some good things, a lot of positives,
and that I think had a lot to do with
the results over the weekend. Let's transition a little bit. Patrick,
(04:20):
we did the recap. Let's look ahead two more games
with the same team. You play hockey, When you play
a team this many times in a row, speak to that.
What is the relationship going to be like between Tucson
and Colorado or they going to be sick of each other?
Is the familiarity of benefit to one team or the other?
What should we How should we evaluate that?
Speaker 3 (04:38):
I think as someone who played, you know, as someone
who's playing right now collegiately, you know, you kind of
get a familiarity with people. You know, you talk to
them during face offs, you talked to them, you know
when there's a little bit savages sometimes you're chirping with them.
The entire game I've I've had with oh, trust me, David.
But I think you know, maybe there was things that
you know wasn't noticed on camera watching the game that
(05:01):
who knows who knows what? If you know, some of
the guys on the Eagles were chirping at some of
the road Ouwner guys, and what could start off?
Speaker 4 (05:08):
I don't think so it was.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Let me ask you a question, are you a creative
chirperd are you pretty quick witted or do you usually
you want to say something, you're building up the courage
and then you kind of stumble all over yourself and
it wasn't that witty.
Speaker 4 (05:21):
I think it depends on the situation.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
Like if you're playing a team that you know obviously
is good and they have some guys who are chirping
that don't play a lot, you kind of like, well,
sucks to be you do, but you're not playing a lot.
Speaker 5 (05:34):
You know.
Speaker 4 (05:34):
It really depends on situational.
Speaker 5 (05:36):
Right, right. But I think if I.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Played, I think if I played, here would be my problem.
I would have something to say, but I don't think
my play would back it up. I think that would
be my issue. I would be all talk and no performance,
and that would could you know some players who are
like that? Who they they They can.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
Say I've played against that, I've that like would talk
so much and they would be like a non factor
on the ice. I mean, I think for me, like
like if there's a moment, I try to choose my
moments perfectly that I can. But I think sometimes it
gets a little bit too like where you just want
(06:14):
to play, you just want to have fun.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
I have it on good authority Patrick that you are
you're not only maybe a chirper, but you you produce
that you are one of the key producers on your team.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Yeah, I mean, it's it's it's kind I don't know,
it's just like a good st I was.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Never me by the way I was. I was maybe
a cultural guy. I was there for your culture, your
I think so, but not and some are saying that's
true with the road Runners too. I don't know about that.
I think level hasn't always been there.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
I think it's good to have, like there's certain role guys,
you know, like the Bulls had Jordan Pippin and then
they had Rod you know, and you need and as
as Phil Jackson says, it's like you need a Dennis
Rodman to have the championship culture.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
So Rodman, whenever you need me on this podcast, Patrick,
you know what.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
I say, like with with all your with all your topics,
even in the happy you know, you talk about all
the all the.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
We got into the stars.
Speaker 4 (07:08):
Oh yeah, yeah, I.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Huh three minute ran about.
Speaker 4 (07:14):
I love those See. I think you should just keep
it up, you know.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Okay, all right, well let's go here. So now we're
gonna have a sharp pivot. But you mentioned we got
into familiarity. Some people, when they think about all these
games together, there could be some conflict a game. An
NHL game that had some conflict was the Detroit Red Wings.
The New York Rangers are PA announcer Kim Coda Roblaze,
who I bet. Also, I don't believe Kim ever played hockey.
(07:36):
I think if she did, maybe she would have some
interesting terms because she's tough. Patrick, don't let the pink
jacket fool you in the glass. Kim is tough, and
I think she would not be one to mess with.
I think she would have something to say.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
So So anyway, Kim was at the Garden for the
Rangers game, where there was a fight. Jonathan Quick didn't
enjoy the fact that a shot was taken late on
the on the Rangers net after the game was over.
There was a scrap there. So maybe something like that
could be on tap for the road Runners and the
Eagles with this being the third and fourth consecutive game
between the two.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
What do you think, I mean, it'd be it'd be great.
I think the TCC would be electric. I think it
was a good thing that it happened. I mean, it's
like the buzzer hit winding issue in the net. I
think also, the Rangers have been struggling at home, so
that's another reason why. And Jonathan Quick, he's been playing
seller in the games he's played. He's also thirty nine,
a backup, and he still can play at that level.
(08:29):
It's great, but you never know in the AHL, you
never know what's gonna happen. Before the pockets dropped, I mean,
I've seen crazy hits and fights, and I mean we
saw a couple of weekends ago with Coachella Valley. I
think it's been pretty tam I think it's, you know,
gonna be a really competitive series. I don't think it's
going to be poiling over, but who knows. Who knows?
Speaker 2 (08:49):
I think I think it'd be competitive for sure, and
I'll be very interested to see the physicality level. Which
team is more physical And if this, you know, and
I keep harping on it, but all these consecutive games,
if that does start to have an impact on what
we see on the ice. Another Ranger related note is,
and this happens across the NHL, calls and goals specifically
that get overturned because of replayed offside calls right or
(09:12):
on side play that's called on side in real time
and then after review there may be a minuscule difference
there and it's enough to overturn the play and make
it offside. I have to say, Patrick, I'm not a
fan of this. I think it's wrong. We can certainly
get into that, but I want to get your take
first and then I'll respond to what you have to say.
But I'm not a fan.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
I mean, I think it just depends on the situation,
you know. I mean, if it's so blatantly obviously he's offside,
then yeah, take away the goals.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
That's the rule. But I think.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
Sometimes and I've seen it in games where it's like, oh,
his foot is just barely on side or offside. It's like,
why does this need to be a fineman review. I
feel like there has to be kind of a you know,
kind of a second where after goal, the reps could
be like, hey, how do you want to review this?
And you know, they obviously time to look at it
(10:01):
from their video coaches. But I think it I think
it has to be blaming and obvious. And you know
we were talking about before off camera, but you know,
it really is all on situational.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
I feel like I don't know if that's that's right.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
I understand what you're saying. Here's my take the game,
and the purpose of the rule is so that you
don't have somebody down by the net, right. The onside
rule very much changes how the game is played for
the better, no question about that. The rule is not
there so that we nitpick this much of a difference
and I'm holding up my fingers just a tiny couple
(10:33):
of inches difference. That's not why it's there. That doesn't
affect anything at all. The only the rule changes the game,
there's no question. But if it isn't followed absolutely perfectly,
that is not a big deal. And it has no
bearing on what happens after that. A goal being scored
or not being scored does not come back to if
the player was onside or off side by a couple
(10:53):
of inches. But yet we're overturning goals on that ground.
To me, it's completely ridiculous and I just don't understand
the need for it at all.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Well, I think, David, to your point. You know, obviously
with the with the challenge, if they get it wrong,
they have to get a penalty. I think, and to
go on to college football and also the NFL, how
many times a guy will make a spectacular catch but
you're like, oh, I don't know if that's a call,
and then they immediately blow the whistles. As the options
to make a sense, I think there should be you know,
(11:23):
kind of like alimited unless it's like blatantly obvious he
definitely did not the person the player didn't catch the ball.
I think with college they should have the same rule.
If you I mean, obviously they lose the time out.
But I think it's like our coaches really you know,
fed up.
Speaker 4 (11:39):
I mean you brought it.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
I mean, you know Arizona BYU you know, they have
that that play where both teams didn't care about it.
I mean, it's I think it's just it just it
takes away the fun aspect.
Speaker 4 (11:48):
From the game. And I think there's so much and.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
I'll tell you what we will do, Patrick is there's
an interesting review question. A lot of people have thoughts
on this and hockey. You know, the two things that
it comes down to, goaltend interference which can be tough
to define, and obviously on side offside being another point
of review. I want to get the take of Kevin mcglue.
He's the voice of the Colorado Eagles, does a great
job there. I want to hear what he has to
(12:11):
say about this and if he agrees with us or
maybe he defends more review. We'll have to see to
find out. But we'll have him coming up next right
here on Between the Benches and we'll see if Kevin
mcglue agrees with all this review or if he's against it.
Speaker 1 (12:24):
It's time to go Between the Benches on road Runners Weekly.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
And welcome back to Between the Benches and Tucson Roadrunners podcast.
Roadrunners and the Eagles split up in the Rockies. They've
got two more coming year way this weekend at seven
o'clock puck drop this Saturday, then four o'clock on Sunday.
We are now joining very grateful for the time from
Kevin mclu the voice of the Colorado Eagles. Kevin, before
we get into the series up in Colorado and then
preview what we're expecting here in Tucson, I do want
(12:49):
to get a little bit off topic, but hockey related
and just a personal story. Watching the Rangers Vegas Golden
Knights game on Tuesday, a very crucial goal overturned by
an off side review, and so I beg the question
to me, why even review off sides? I think it's
a technicality, right, the very small difference. I'm not sure
(13:09):
it has an impact on the on the play, and
it kind of really alters out these outcomes on a technicality,
and I don't think it's necessary. I'm wondering where you
stand on this.
Speaker 6 (13:19):
Yeah, you know, I really think that you know, you
certainly have to have a set parameter. There's got to
be a line of physical line and and and uh,
there's got to be a way to sort of administer
the rule that's in place.
Speaker 5 (13:31):
I think there's no question about that.
Speaker 6 (13:34):
No different than football or basketball, any other sport that
you know, if you toes on the line, it's not
a three. If the ball touches the goal line, it's
a touchdown. But you know, whether it's it's hockey or
it's football, you know, I just think that all the
reviews are kind of killing the momentum and the excitement
of sports.
Speaker 5 (13:54):
Uh.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
You know, we're looking at a goal like that, the
place goes bananas. Everybody's it's a big swing and momentum.
But whether it's ruled a good goal or not, the
moment is kind of been taken away. It's been robbed,
and it certainly takes away from some of the excitement
of the game.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Now.
Speaker 6 (14:13):
I understand that, you know, if this was not by
the rules, let's take a look at it. But I
think if you look at college football, college football I
think is on the brink of being ruined by all
the reviews.
Speaker 5 (14:23):
I totally agree with you.
Speaker 6 (14:24):
And I think that it's a slippery slope and you
can get yourself into some dangerous territory where.
Speaker 5 (14:30):
You know, what's reviewable, How do we go about it?
How long do you get to do this?
Speaker 6 (14:35):
Because you start to look at college football and everything
is reviewed and all of a sudden, you're playing a
four hour football game and the students have already left
two hours ago because you know, that's not what we
came here to do, and a lot of people on
TV have tuned out. You know what it's you want
to get it right. It's always important to get the
call right. But when you get into the art of reviewing,
(14:58):
when you start to do two more much of that,
you all of a sudden, it's counteractive to maybe what
you're trying to do, which was, you know, make this
a fair but enjoyable game that people are happy with
the outcome and happy with the experience.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
Yeah, you took the words right out of my mouth,
and you hit the nail on the head. I couldn't
agree with you more about college football. So you'll see
being at the TCC Saturday. I also cover Arizona football
for Camp Student Radio, the university radio station. So we
have a football game at home against Baylor eleven am Local,
and then I'll be doing that, and then I'll hustle
over to the hockey arena. So I'm seeing firsthand exactly
(15:33):
what you're talking about. And the thing with college football
is none of the reviews are initiated from the coaching staff.
This is just the officials arbitrarily deciding that they want
to look at something. I recall. I can't say specifically
what game. It may have been Arizona BYU where Noaha Fieda,
the quarterback for the Wildcats. His arm was contacted as
he was making a throw and they weren't sure. This
(15:53):
is ridiculous. This actually happened, Kevin. I mean, I couldn't
believe it. They were not sure if he fumbled forward
and the Arizona jumped on it basically for no gain,
it may have been a loss of one or two,
or if it was an incomplete pass. So it's either
going to be second and eleven because it was a
fumble and a recovery for a loss of one, or
second in ten on an incomplete pass. And they reviewed
(16:15):
this play for at least three minutes, and I can
tell you neither side cared at all what the verdict
was going to be. They were just reviewing it to
do it, and I couldn't believe it. And that's really
what I think. If a coaching staff wants to challenge
something and they see that the call is incorrect, and
they're very confident that there could be an overturn call.
(16:35):
I think that that's appropriate. But when the officials start
reviewing their own calls and even the sidelines aren't sure
what's going on, I think that's an issue. But with
off sides in specific, it just doesn't have a bearing
on the play. And you could also make the argument
that maybe on a breakaway right on a two on
one and this skate is off sides by a couple
of inches, maybe this one forward it's the third period,
(16:57):
he's been saving this one move for the goaltender all
game executes. It does a great job, and because the
officials let the play go, the goal doesn't count, and
now he's kind of lost that advantage. To me, once
you let it go, you've got to let it play out.
I just I don't know. Goaltender interference is totally different story,
because that has a direct impact on the play. I
think if a coach wants to challenge that, that's fine,
(17:18):
But off sides, it just doesn't make a difference.
Speaker 6 (17:21):
Well, and there's one thing also that's come from all
of this is I don't think anyone of the world
knows what a catch is in football anymore, right, And
nobody knows what goaltender interference actually is in hockey anymore,
because there have been so many reviews, so many plays
that look so similar, and then different verdicts when it's
all said and done as to what it is. So
you know, you think that, Okay, now everybody is very clear.
(17:43):
Here's what a catch looks like, here's what goaltender interference is.
Whatever the sport is, everybody's clear now.
Speaker 5 (17:49):
But I think it's just.
Speaker 6 (17:50):
Caused more confusion and a lot of frustration for a
lot of people too.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
And you can throw targeting in there as well, right,
A lot of the helmet intention violent, you know, but
we'll save that for another day. Here's the good news.
Very competitive hockey up in the Rockies last weekend. The
Roadrunners were in the first game, had a lead in
the first period, but very competitive through the first two.
Colorado really controlled the third period, partially by their very
(18:14):
efficient special teams, which has been the story for the
Eagles all season long. And then game two a little
bit of a different story. The Roadrunners got a brilliant
performance from Jackson Stauber, his first win of the year,
also obviously his first shutout, with it being his first win.
Not always how that plays out, but the Roadrunners very
excited with his performance and obviously they'll see if he
can build on it. So, Kevin, just your wide lens
(18:37):
assessment of that series, how did you view the two teams?
Maybe surprise, not surprise, How did you look at those
two games?
Speaker 6 (18:44):
I really thought that Tucson was an excellent team and
maybe one of the best teams that that the Eagles
have seen so far this year.
Speaker 5 (18:51):
Then you'll get their top six.
Speaker 6 (18:52):
I mean, they have guys that did are really really
good offensively, a lot of experience on that team, and
I think that it's a team that can capitalize and
be opportunistic. It's a team that can play heavy and
is tough to play against it. They're very good around
the net, both in front of their own net and
(19:13):
driving to the opposition's net. So I think for Colorado
that's an area where they've got to get better, is
the net front. But that's a big credit to Tucson
and what they're able to do. I thought jackson starboard
was was phenomenal. I thought that was the best goaltending
performance that we've seen so far from an opposing net
minder all year, which you know again, I'm sure to
(19:35):
his credit he was frustrated for not having a win
yet all year. I mean, that's a guy that's got
NHL experience and knows that he's a good goaltender and
finally had an opportunity to show that because Colorado. You know,
but when that was a zero zero game, they had
a couple of two on one opportunities to at least
take a one nothing lead and try to build off
that at home and Starboard was fantastic. So I think
(19:58):
he really set the tone in that game. And you know,
especially teams Colorado's has just been really really good on
the PK, the power play has been good, but Tucson
did a really nice job when they're on it's penalty kill,
you know, trying to limit what Colorado is doing. I think,
you know, losing Daniel Guschin in that first game hurts
the Eagles, and and that's a big weapon. You know,
(20:19):
when you go out with the injury as the league's
leading goal scorer, you understand that it's a pretty potent
weapon that you're not going to have for at least
the time being. And then Tristan Nielsen gets called up
to the Avalanche today. I don't know when they expect
him to be back or how long they expect him
to be up there.
Speaker 5 (20:36):
It's it's great for him, he's very deserving of it.
Speaker 6 (20:38):
But you know, there's a couple of big pieces that
are out of your lineup right now for Colorado upfront.
So I think it'll be an interesting two game set
down there this weekend and Tucson. I think there are
two pretty evenly matched teams that really I think the
whole thing is going to be dictated by who does
a better job in front of their net and in
driving the opposition that and trying to create some traffic.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
Now, Kevin, I was you just took the words out
of my mouth. I was going to ask you about
Tristan Nielsen getting called up. He obviously had a goal
in Game one. What is the impact he's had this
season with Eagles and what will the Eagles miss from
him from his services this weekend against Tucson.
Speaker 5 (21:16):
Yeah, he's a guy that can finish.
Speaker 6 (21:17):
I mean that's something that you know, there's a lot
of great players in the AHL, and there are guys
that can put up points, but there are not always
guys that can can finish in big opportunities, and he's
been one of those guys that's that's been able to
finish for Colorado and that's why he's got nine goals
already on the year. So for Colorado, I think that
they're going to miss certainly some offensive production. You're also
(21:40):
going to at that point have lost your line of
gooshen Tynan and Nielsen. That was really a big driving
force of this team. So now you've got to shuffle
the deck and you've got to start moving some pieces around.
Speaker 5 (21:54):
They've had to do that here.
Speaker 6 (21:55):
And there already with some call ups and whatnot, but
they're really going to have to dig into the at
going into this week. And the other thing is he
plays a little bit of an abrasive style. He's a
little bit of a thorn in the side of the opponent.
So that's also a thing that the productive guys don't
always bring, and there are guys that opposing teams don't
(22:15):
like but would like to have as a part of
their team. You know, that's sort of a style of play.
So I know that when he was with Abtsford, that
was the way we kind of looked at it. And
now that he's been on this side, and he's been
so good for this Eagles team. Yeah, it's going to
be tough to replace, but again, he really deserves the
opportunity another crack to go up with the Avalanche and
(22:36):
show what he can do. Made his NHL debut earlier
this year, so I mean this is still a little
bit new in his career path of getting some opportunities
to showcase what he can do at that next level.
Speaker 2 (22:49):
And Roadrunner fans may be hearing some similarities between Colorado
and their situation right now in Tucson. Earlier in the year,
you think about Kevin Rooney, the team had a lot
of momentum in their first couple games. He gets called
up to Utah, Steve Povin had to do some shuffling.
We saw some short term struggles from that, and then
the adjustments work their way out. Now, of course Rooney's
back in the lineup and things are starting to look
(23:10):
up again. Perhaps no coincidence there. Something that caught my
eye Kevin is after the Goushin injury, Colorado actually went
eleven and seven, and now you mentioned Nielsen getting called up,
So now the team is actually down two forwards. Do
you think that could be a possibility this weekend as well.
Speaker 6 (23:27):
You know, it sounds to me, and I know that
the Eagles have called up Neil Sheha from Utah. That's
a guy that's off to a good start in the ECCHL.
He had a really nice season last year with the
Utah Grizzlies. He close to twenty goals. Came up with
the Eagles for a little bit last year, played eight games,
had a goal and a couple of sists. So they
feel like he can slot in pretty nicely into this lineup.
(23:49):
And then I think you're real close with some guys
who have been injured and maybe have a chance to
get back into the lineup. So you've had guys who
have been out for an extended period, guys like Nikita,
prishopov Steinberg, Cooper Gay. You know, you still have Chase
Bradley out, so you know there are some guys who
are starting to get a little bit closer. I don't
know if it's going to be this weekend or not,
(24:09):
but I think that's possibly on the horizon. And then
you also didn't have Taylor mccarr in that game when
Colorado was going to be playing on a Sunday in
the NHL. He didn't play on Saturday, so you'll get
him back seemingly for the games this weekend. And he's
a guy that plays a really physical style of hockey,
so maybe you get a little bit of back of
(24:30):
you know what you don't have with Nielsen, With mccarr
going in and then the call up of Neil Shea,
I would imagine unless something changes, you probably would go
back to the twelve and six.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
The one name that comes to my mind with those
two forwards. And obviously there will be adjustments and guys
been called u Blake you mentioned, but one constant I
think that that could be crucial for Colorado is type Elibert.
I was impressed by him last weekend and I'm just
wondering maybe you think his outlook could be a little
bit more impressive this weekend or if more will be
put on him played against the Roadrunners.
Speaker 5 (25:01):
Yeah, it's definitely going to be.
Speaker 6 (25:03):
And In tis a guy that had just a monster
season last year. I mean he had a true breakout
season last year with the Eagles. Twenty two goals, twenty
two assists, made his NHL debut, and I think finally
just got to that point where you know, for some
players it comes in year one, and some guys it
comes in year four, year five, and you finally reached
that point where you realize your potential. And I think
(25:25):
that he's got to a point where we're starting to
realize that potential. But he got off to a slow
start this year, and Alex barre Boule was another guy
that got off to a slow start this year, and
then all of a sudden, now they both started to
find some consistent scoring, which it's not only nice to
have now without Gushin and without Nielsen, it's it's going
to be necessary to have. And I think a little
(25:47):
bit of that abrasiveness that that Nielsen has is something
that that typ Feleber also has to his game. So
you know, it's life in the American League. As soon
as things are good and you're feeling like you've got
a healthy team, things don't go that way for very long.
So you have to be adaptable. And that's the same
for every single team in the AHL, whether it's injuries
(26:08):
up top, injuries on your own team. I mean, things
are going to force you to be nimble, force you
to find a way to put guys in different roles
and find guys that can excel in those roles, and
sometimes those are the best things that you see. I mean,
we had guys that have come up. Cedric Parry was
a guy that came in. Jake Wise was a guy
that came in that. You know, you go out and
(26:29):
you're kind of in a pinch and you need a player,
and you bring somebody in the next thing, you know, Wow,
this guy can really really produce at.
Speaker 5 (26:36):
This level and for this team. And there you go.
Speaker 6 (26:40):
You've got yourself somebody that's a diamond in the rough.
So you know, sometimes these things can lead to to
real positives. But you know, for the time being, when
you're looking at what you have and what you don't
have on the lineup chart, you got a couple of
holes right now that spell out to about twenty goals
that aren't in the lineup as of right now for Colorado.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
Now, Trent, I mean, Kevin, I gotta ask you about
Trent Minor as if by Trent Minor Real Quick picked
up his third win on Friday. He's three and oh
in four games played. Do we expect him to see
to see him in between the pipes this weekend against
Tucson and what have you noticed so far? Backing up
Isaac Posh at the start of the season, I.
Speaker 5 (27:21):
Think you do.
Speaker 6 (27:22):
I think you probably see both goaltenders. You know, Trent
was a guy that started the season up in the
NHL with the Avalanche and got an extended look with
the the injury to McKenzie Blackwood. So that was great
to see. That's something he deserved. And he had a
little bit of time in the NHL last year, which
was which was which is awesome because it's a guy that's,
you know, is a seventh round pick. He truly started
(27:43):
and worked his way up from the EHL, proved himself there.
You know, he's he's been here for years with the
Colorado Eagles now just plugging away, putting up great numbers,
racking up wins, and and doing it pretty quietly. He's
not a guy that's six foot four. He's a six
one guy, and I think sometimes, you know, guys, if
(28:03):
you're not six foot four, you kind of take a
back seat to the guy that does bring the bigger
frame and it kind of gets you a little bit
of a leg up anywhere, and not just in the NHL,
but you know, anywhere you see a goaltender. Well, that
guy's got a lot of size. Let's assume that he's
probably going to give us a better chance. And you know,
I think the success you saw with Dustin Wolf in Calgary,
(28:26):
both in the HL and now in the NHL kind
of proves that, you know, you don't have to be
six five six six to go out there and and
be this new prototypical goaltender and succeed. So the Avalanche
have given him that chance to work his way up
get all the way to the NHL, and I think
that's been absolutely awesome. He's he's a guy that just
gives you a chance to win, and that's that's the
(28:48):
biggest credit, I think to a goalie. And that's what
he's done for years now with all the teams he's
played with, and that includes the Grizzlies down in the EHL,
certainly the Eagles here in the American League, and when
he's played in the NHL he's done the exact same thing.
So you know, for a seventh round guy, that's a
pretty nice draft pick that the Avalanche were able to
find there. So yeah, I think you probably see both
(29:09):
goaltenders and I don't know how the season will end
up shaking out, but I think that for the time being,
you feel pretty good about that being a one to
two tandem where you can rotate. There's a lot of
back to back games in this league, and if somebody's
got the hot hand, maybe you ride it for a while,
but it gives you some flexibility.
Speaker 2 (29:27):
I don't have any friends over with anybody in the
Colorado organization, but I would imagine they're pretty pleased that
their two top ahl goaltenders are twenty four and twenty
three and both seem to be playing at a pretty
high level. So yeah, like you mentioned, not premium, not
a premium draft pick in minor, but he's playing like
it and he's just twenty four years old, so I
think there could be some promising things down the road
(29:47):
for him. Last question for me, Kevin, So you've got
some familiarity with the Roadrunners now, with them just playing
in Colorado last weekend, what would you say to Roadrunner
fans going to the game this weekend? What are they
going to see on the on Saturday and Sunday between
these two teams.
Speaker 6 (30:02):
Well, I think you're gonna see two really competitive games.
I think there's there's no doubt about that. I think
we saw that both Friday and Saturday of last weekend
here in Colorado.
Speaker 5 (30:11):
Is you know, you're.
Speaker 6 (30:12):
Gonna see the teams that put a real premium on
going out and taking your business on the penalty kill
and on the power play, knowing that that's a place
where you can get a foothold.
Speaker 5 (30:21):
In these games.
Speaker 6 (30:23):
For Colorado, I think that you know, you've got to
have some guys step up. You know, the old adage
of next man up is it is real in this
league and it's something that has to happen, and for
Colorado that has to happen this weekend. You've got to
have guys step up. Now you're missing Nil Sinegushi, but
you still have you know, TJ. Tynan, you still have
Jason Megna, you still have ty Felliber, you have jack A.
(30:45):
Shawan back on the blue line. There's guys that can
contribute offensively still with the absence of those players. But
you know, for Colorado and Tucson, I think it's it's
a really good matchup. And talking to the coaching staff,
they they said, you know what, Friday, it felt a
lot like playoff game, just sort of the way that
the two teams were matching up and going back with
one another, particularly through the first two periods. So I
(31:07):
think it's two teams that are pretty familiar with each other,
not just from this season, but with all the returning
faces Tippy from the Roadrunners that you do last year,
and you had a sense of what you're getting. So
I think it's gonna be a good two game set,
and I think the road Runners fans should be very
excited about what they have.
Speaker 5 (31:26):
That's a good.
Speaker 2 (31:27):
Team, competitive series on tap. Indeed, we want to thank
Kevin for joining us again. Road Runners and Eagles seven
o'clock on Saturday, four o'clock on Sunday. Radio coverage on
Fox Sports fourteen fifty, television coverage HLTV. Now on Flow Sports.
You can hear from James and myself right there bringing
you all the action. We all expect a competitive series
between Colorado and Tucson. Don't miss it.
From Roadrunners Weekly. This is Between the Benches. You're all
access preview love the week ahead. We'll look at the
road runners upcoming opponents, get the inside story, and here
directly from the voices and players that know them best.
With David Mradian and Patrick Moore.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Welcome back to Between the Benches, the Tucson Roadrunners Podcast.
David murrady and joined by Patrick Moore. We're going to
hear from Kevin mcglue, the voice of the Colorado Eagles.
In just a few minutes, he'll recap what we saw
up in the Rockies, and what we saw Patrick was
pretty inspiring. We'll get to that in a few minutes.
And we're also going to preview what we're expecting this
weekend at the TCC Games three and four between the
(00:41):
Eagles and the road Runners. But let's go back to
what I just said. Let's be honest, Patrick, A lot
of people, including ourselves, we viewed this as not only
a test, but a challenging test for the Roadrunners to complete.
Right think of it, we want to use the college analogy.
I know our producer Michael is maybe fed up with
me making all these college analogies, but let's just do this.
(01:03):
Not only was this a test for the Roadrunners, but
this was an upper level course. Right, This is kind
of the last one. As you're climbing to your degree,
you're in the four hundred levels. Now stuff is getting
pretty complicated. This is an intro to whatever this is.
Four hundred level concepts are being built. This was a
challenging test and they passed it.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Right.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
For the first forty five minutes of game one, the
Roadrunners were right there with Colorado. They had a lead
in the first period, highly competitive and then game two
start to finish, why or to wire the road Runners
were the better team. They leaned on a very impressive
performance from Jackson Stauber or something I think in the
organization I've been waiting for, and certainly they got it.
And that was the goaltender that they've been looking forward
(01:43):
to seeing. And he's done some good things and maybe
had some bad luck, but Jackson Stauber was exceptional in
that second game against Colorado. So, like I said, it
was a challenging test. This wasn't one oh one introduction level.
This was difficult. They passed it, and I think they
made a statement.
Speaker 3 (01:58):
How do you assess the series? Patrick David. I honestly
thought they played a great series. I do on only
have a lot of complaints. Obviously, it was a disappointing
third period. They gave up the three goals, and sometimes
it just happens, you know, we're you're playing a tough
team like Colorado, where you're right there with them neck
and neck, and then all of a sudden, they got
They got a couple of power play goals on some
set plays that were very impressive to me watching the game.
(02:22):
But I think, as to your point, they just they
were there, right there, and they definitely passed the test.
I really think it was the best games they played
up to this point of the season, and it's unfortunate
that they weren't able to get a sweep or you know,
at least get a point in Game one, because I thought,
you know, maybe they'd capitalize on a couple of good
opportunities that Trent Minor, who played really well for the
(02:44):
Eagles on Friday, you know, so I just think it
was it was a great kind of a reset from
the past couple of games at home, and this will
give him some confidence heading into this weekend.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
One player that was back, Kevin Rooney, played very well,
and I don't think it's Look, I don't think it's
a coincidence, right that they played their best hockey at
the beginning of the season when he was on the ice.
They were three and one after four games, and we
just said maybe their most impressive series of the year.
Kevin Rooney was back with the team, so I think
he deserves a lot of credit. And the lines now
(03:16):
starting to look very familiar to what we saw at
the beginning of the season, at least what coach Podmin
rolled with on the fifteenth, the second game against Colorado,
it was Boot, Rooney and Walker. Those three were together
on opening night. And it was McCartney, Paganski and he Baked.
Those three were together on opening night. So you spend
the whole summer who's going to play well together? How
(03:36):
are we going to practice together? And those two combinations
were what you know, Steve Povin came away with. And
now with Rooney back, he's able to go back to
what he saw in the summer and what his game
plan was, So I think that was certainly a positive sign.
And also I thought the Roadrunners got terrific production from
their defenders, especially in the second game right, A shutout
(03:56):
doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's not just Jackson. Stauber
played great, and give him a lot of credit, but
he got some support in front. I thought Max and
mav together did a really nice job and do to
and Prunovich continue to be a very impressive tandem. So defensively,
the Roadrunners did some good things, a lot of positives,
and that I think had a lot to do with
the results over the weekend. Let's transition a little bit. Patrick,
(04:20):
we did the recap. Let's look ahead two more games
with the same team. You play hockey, When you play
a team this many times in a row, speak to that.
What is the relationship going to be like between Tucson
and Colorado or they going to be sick of each other?
Is the familiarity of benefit to one team or the other?
What should we How should we evaluate that?
Speaker 3 (04:38):
I think as someone who played, you know, as someone
who's playing right now collegiately, you know, you kind of
get a familiarity with people. You know, you talk to
them during face offs, you talked to them, you know
when there's a little bit savages sometimes you're chirping with them.
The entire game I've I've had with oh, trust me, David.
But I think you know, maybe there was things that
you know wasn't noticed on camera watching the game that
(05:01):
who knows who knows what? If you know, some of
the guys on the Eagles were chirping at some of
the road Ouwner guys, and what could start off?
Speaker 4 (05:08):
I don't think so it was.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Let me ask you a question, are you a creative
chirperd are you pretty quick witted or do you usually
you want to say something, you're building up the courage
and then you kind of stumble all over yourself and
it wasn't that witty.
Speaker 4 (05:21):
I think it depends on the situation.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
Like if you're playing a team that you know obviously
is good and they have some guys who are chirping
that don't play a lot, you kind of like, well,
sucks to be you do, but you're not playing a lot.
Speaker 5 (05:34):
You know.
Speaker 4 (05:34):
It really depends on situational.
Speaker 5 (05:36):
Right, right. But I think if I.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Played, I think if I played, here would be my problem.
I would have something to say, but I don't think
my play would back it up. I think that would
be my issue. I would be all talk and no performance,
and that would could you know some players who are
like that? Who they they They can.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
Say I've played against that, I've that like would talk
so much and they would be like a non factor
on the ice. I mean, I think for me, like
like if there's a moment, I try to choose my
moments perfectly that I can. But I think sometimes it
gets a little bit too like where you just want
(06:14):
to play, you just want to have fun.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
I have it on good authority Patrick that you are
you're not only maybe a chirper, but you you produce
that you are one of the key producers on your team.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Yeah, I mean, it's it's it's kind I don't know,
it's just like a good st I was.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Never me by the way I was. I was maybe
a cultural guy. I was there for your culture, your
I think so, but not and some are saying that's
true with the road Runners too. I don't know about that.
I think level hasn't always been there.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
I think it's good to have, like there's certain role guys,
you know, like the Bulls had Jordan Pippin and then
they had Rod you know, and you need and as
as Phil Jackson says, it's like you need a Dennis
Rodman to have the championship culture.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
So Rodman, whenever you need me on this podcast, Patrick,
you know what.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
I say, like with with all your with all your topics,
even in the happy you know, you talk about all
the all the.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
We got into the stars.
Speaker 4 (07:08):
Oh yeah, yeah, I.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Huh three minute ran about.
Speaker 4 (07:14):
I love those See. I think you should just keep
it up, you know.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Okay, all right, well let's go here. So now we're
gonna have a sharp pivot. But you mentioned we got
into familiarity. Some people, when they think about all these
games together, there could be some conflict a game. An
NHL game that had some conflict was the Detroit Red Wings.
The New York Rangers are PA announcer Kim Coda Roblaze,
who I bet. Also, I don't believe Kim ever played hockey.
(07:36):
I think if she did, maybe she would have some
interesting terms because she's tough. Patrick, don't let the pink
jacket fool you in the glass. Kim is tough, and
I think she would not be one to mess with.
I think she would have something to say.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
So So anyway, Kim was at the Garden for the
Rangers game, where there was a fight. Jonathan Quick didn't
enjoy the fact that a shot was taken late on
the on the Rangers net after the game was over.
There was a scrap there. So maybe something like that
could be on tap for the road Runners and the
Eagles with this being the third and fourth consecutive game
between the two.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
What do you think, I mean, it'd be it'd be great.
I think the TCC would be electric. I think it
was a good thing that it happened. I mean, it's
like the buzzer hit winding issue in the net. I
think also, the Rangers have been struggling at home, so
that's another reason why. And Jonathan Quick, he's been playing
seller in the games he's played. He's also thirty nine,
a backup, and he still can play at that level.
(08:29):
It's great, but you never know in the AHL, you
never know what's gonna happen. Before the pockets dropped, I mean,
I've seen crazy hits and fights, and I mean we
saw a couple of weekends ago with Coachella Valley. I
think it's been pretty tam I think it's, you know,
gonna be a really competitive series. I don't think it's
going to be poiling over, but who knows. Who knows?
Speaker 2 (08:49):
I think I think it'd be competitive for sure, and
I'll be very interested to see the physicality level. Which
team is more physical And if this, you know, and
I keep harping on it, but all these consecutive games,
if that does start to have an impact on what
we see on the ice. Another Ranger related note is,
and this happens across the NHL, calls and goals specifically
that get overturned because of replayed offside calls right or
(09:12):
on side play that's called on side in real time
and then after review there may be a minuscule difference
there and it's enough to overturn the play and make
it offside. I have to say, Patrick, I'm not a
fan of this. I think it's wrong. We can certainly
get into that, but I want to get your take
first and then I'll respond to what you have to say.
But I'm not a fan.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
I mean, I think it just depends on the situation,
you know. I mean, if it's so blatantly obviously he's offside,
then yeah, take away the goals.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
That's the rule. But I think.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
Sometimes and I've seen it in games where it's like, oh,
his foot is just barely on side or offside. It's like,
why does this need to be a fineman review. I
feel like there has to be kind of a you know,
kind of a second where after goal, the reps could
be like, hey, how do you want to review this?
And you know, they obviously time to look at it
(10:01):
from their video coaches. But I think it I think
it has to be blaming and obvious. And you know
we were talking about before off camera, but you know,
it really is all on situational.
Speaker 4 (10:11):
I feel like I don't know if that's that's right.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
I understand what you're saying. Here's my take the game,
and the purpose of the rule is so that you
don't have somebody down by the net, right. The onside
rule very much changes how the game is played for
the better, no question about that. The rule is not
there so that we nitpick this much of a difference
and I'm holding up my fingers just a tiny couple
(10:33):
of inches difference. That's not why it's there. That doesn't
affect anything at all. The only the rule changes the game,
there's no question. But if it isn't followed absolutely perfectly,
that is not a big deal. And it has no
bearing on what happens after that. A goal being scored
or not being scored does not come back to if
the player was onside or off side by a couple
(10:53):
of inches. But yet we're overturning goals on that ground.
To me, it's completely ridiculous and I just don't understand
the need for it at all.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Well, I think, David, to your point. You know, obviously
with the with the challenge, if they get it wrong,
they have to get a penalty. I think, and to
go on to college football and also the NFL, how
many times a guy will make a spectacular catch but
you're like, oh, I don't know if that's a call,
and then they immediately blow the whistles. As the options
to make a sense, I think there should be you know,
(11:23):
kind of like alimited unless it's like blatantly obvious he
definitely did not the person the player didn't catch the ball.
I think with college they should have the same rule.
If you I mean, obviously they lose the time out.
But I think it's like our coaches really you know,
fed up.
Speaker 4 (11:39):
I mean you brought it.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
I mean, you know Arizona BYU you know, they have
that that play where both teams didn't care about it.
I mean, it's I think it's just it just it
takes away the fun aspect.
Speaker 4 (11:48):
From the game. And I think there's so much and.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
I'll tell you what we will do, Patrick is there's
an interesting review question. A lot of people have thoughts
on this and hockey. You know, the two things that
it comes down to, goaltend interference which can be tough
to define, and obviously on side offside being another point
of review. I want to get the take of Kevin mcglue.
He's the voice of the Colorado Eagles, does a great
job there. I want to hear what he has to
(12:11):
say about this and if he agrees with us or
maybe he defends more review. We'll have to see to
find out. But we'll have him coming up next right
here on Between the Benches and we'll see if Kevin
mcglue agrees with all this review or if he's against it.
Speaker 1 (12:24):
It's time to go Between the Benches on road Runners Weekly.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
And welcome back to Between the Benches and Tucson Roadrunners podcast.
Roadrunners and the Eagles split up in the Rockies. They've
got two more coming year way this weekend at seven
o'clock puck drop this Saturday, then four o'clock on Sunday.
We are now joining very grateful for the time from
Kevin mclu the voice of the Colorado Eagles. Kevin, before
we get into the series up in Colorado and then
preview what we're expecting here in Tucson, I do want
(12:49):
to get a little bit off topic, but hockey related
and just a personal story. Watching the Rangers Vegas Golden
Knights game on Tuesday, a very crucial goal overturned by
an off side review, and so I beg the question
to me, why even review off sides? I think it's
a technicality, right, the very small difference. I'm not sure
(13:09):
it has an impact on the on the play, and
it kind of really alters out these outcomes on a technicality,
and I don't think it's necessary. I'm wondering where you
stand on this.
Speaker 6 (13:19):
Yeah, you know, I really think that you know, you
certainly have to have a set parameter. There's got to
be a line of physical line and and and uh,
there's got to be a way to sort of administer
the rule that's in place.
Speaker 5 (13:31):
I think there's no question about that.
Speaker 6 (13:34):
No different than football or basketball, any other sport that
you know, if you toes on the line, it's not
a three. If the ball touches the goal line, it's
a touchdown. But you know, whether it's it's hockey or
it's football, you know, I just think that all the
reviews are kind of killing the momentum and the excitement
of sports.
Speaker 5 (13:54):
Uh.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
You know, we're looking at a goal like that, the
place goes bananas. Everybody's it's a big swing and momentum.
But whether it's ruled a good goal or not, the
moment is kind of been taken away. It's been robbed,
and it certainly takes away from some of the excitement
of the game.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Now.
Speaker 6 (14:13):
I understand that, you know, if this was not by
the rules, let's take a look at it. But I
think if you look at college football, college football I
think is on the brink of being ruined by all
the reviews.
Speaker 5 (14:23):
I totally agree with you.
Speaker 6 (14:24):
And I think that it's a slippery slope and you
can get yourself into some dangerous territory where.
Speaker 5 (14:30):
You know, what's reviewable, How do we go about it?
How long do you get to do this?
Speaker 6 (14:35):
Because you start to look at college football and everything
is reviewed and all of a sudden, you're playing a
four hour football game and the students have already left
two hours ago because you know, that's not what we
came here to do, and a lot of people on
TV have tuned out. You know what it's you want
to get it right. It's always important to get the
call right. But when you get into the art of reviewing,
(14:58):
when you start to do two more much of that,
you all of a sudden, it's counteractive to maybe what
you're trying to do, which was, you know, make this
a fair but enjoyable game that people are happy with
the outcome and happy with the experience.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
Yeah, you took the words right out of my mouth,
and you hit the nail on the head. I couldn't
agree with you more about college football. So you'll see
being at the TCC Saturday. I also cover Arizona football
for Camp Student Radio, the university radio station. So we
have a football game at home against Baylor eleven am Local,
and then I'll be doing that, and then I'll hustle
over to the hockey arena. So I'm seeing firsthand exactly
(15:33):
what you're talking about. And the thing with college football
is none of the reviews are initiated from the coaching staff.
This is just the officials arbitrarily deciding that they want
to look at something. I recall. I can't say specifically
what game. It may have been Arizona BYU where Noaha Fieda,
the quarterback for the Wildcats. His arm was contacted as
he was making a throw and they weren't sure. This
(15:53):
is ridiculous. This actually happened, Kevin. I mean, I couldn't
believe it. They were not sure if he fumbled forward
and the Arizona jumped on it basically for no gain,
it may have been a loss of one or two,
or if it was an incomplete pass. So it's either
going to be second and eleven because it was a
fumble and a recovery for a loss of one, or
second in ten on an incomplete pass. And they reviewed
(16:15):
this play for at least three minutes, and I can
tell you neither side cared at all what the verdict
was going to be. They were just reviewing it to
do it, and I couldn't believe it. And that's really
what I think. If a coaching staff wants to challenge
something and they see that the call is incorrect, and
they're very confident that there could be an overturn call.
(16:35):
I think that that's appropriate. But when the officials start
reviewing their own calls and even the sidelines aren't sure
what's going on, I think that's an issue. But with
off sides in specific, it just doesn't have a bearing
on the play. And you could also make the argument
that maybe on a breakaway right on a two on
one and this skate is off sides by a couple
of inches, maybe this one forward it's the third period,
(16:57):
he's been saving this one move for the goaltender all
game executes. It does a great job, and because the
officials let the play go, the goal doesn't count, and
now he's kind of lost that advantage. To me, once
you let it go, you've got to let it play out.
I just I don't know. Goaltender interference is totally different story,
because that has a direct impact on the play. I
think if a coach wants to challenge that, that's fine,
(17:18):
But off sides, it just doesn't make a difference.
Speaker 6 (17:21):
Well, and there's one thing also that's come from all
of this is I don't think anyone of the world
knows what a catch is in football anymore, right, And
nobody knows what goaltender interference actually is in hockey anymore,
because there have been so many reviews, so many plays
that look so similar, and then different verdicts when it's
all said and done as to what it is. So
you know, you think that, Okay, now everybody is very clear.
(17:43):
Here's what a catch looks like, here's what goaltender interference is.
Whatever the sport is, everybody's clear now.
Speaker 5 (17:49):
But I think it's just.
Speaker 6 (17:50):
Caused more confusion and a lot of frustration for a
lot of people too.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
And you can throw targeting in there as well, right,
A lot of the helmet intention violent, you know, but
we'll save that for another day. Here's the good news.
Very competitive hockey up in the Rockies last weekend. The
Roadrunners were in the first game, had a lead in
the first period, but very competitive through the first two.
Colorado really controlled the third period, partially by their very
(18:14):
efficient special teams, which has been the story for the
Eagles all season long. And then game two a little
bit of a different story. The Roadrunners got a brilliant
performance from Jackson Stauber, his first win of the year,
also obviously his first shutout, with it being his first win.
Not always how that plays out, but the Roadrunners very
excited with his performance and obviously they'll see if he
can build on it. So, Kevin, just your wide lens
(18:37):
assessment of that series, how did you view the two teams?
Maybe surprise, not surprise, How did you look at those
two games?
Speaker 6 (18:44):
I really thought that Tucson was an excellent team and
maybe one of the best teams that that the Eagles
have seen so far this year.
Speaker 5 (18:51):
Then you'll get their top six.
Speaker 6 (18:52):
I mean, they have guys that did are really really
good offensively, a lot of experience on that team, and
I think that it's a team that can capitalize and
be opportunistic. It's a team that can play heavy and
is tough to play against it. They're very good around
the net, both in front of their own net and
(19:13):
driving to the opposition's net. So I think for Colorado
that's an area where they've got to get better, is
the net front. But that's a big credit to Tucson
and what they're able to do. I thought jackson starboard
was was phenomenal. I thought that was the best goaltending
performance that we've seen so far from an opposing net
minder all year, which you know again, I'm sure to
(19:35):
his credit he was frustrated for not having a win
yet all year. I mean, that's a guy that's got
NHL experience and knows that he's a good goaltender and
finally had an opportunity to show that because Colorado. You know,
but when that was a zero zero game, they had
a couple of two on one opportunities to at least
take a one nothing lead and try to build off
that at home and Starboard was fantastic. So I think
(19:58):
he really set the tone in that game. And you know,
especially teams Colorado's has just been really really good on
the PK, the power play has been good, but Tucson
did a really nice job when they're on it's penalty kill,
you know, trying to limit what Colorado is doing. I think,
you know, losing Daniel Guschin in that first game hurts
the Eagles, and and that's a big weapon. You know,
(20:19):
when you go out with the injury as the league's
leading goal scorer, you understand that it's a pretty potent
weapon that you're not going to have for at least
the time being. And then Tristan Nielsen gets called up
to the Avalanche today. I don't know when they expect
him to be back or how long they expect him
to be up there.
Speaker 5 (20:36):
It's it's great for him, he's very deserving of it.
Speaker 6 (20:38):
But you know, there's a couple of big pieces that
are out of your lineup right now for Colorado upfront.
So I think it'll be an interesting two game set
down there this weekend and Tucson. I think there are
two pretty evenly matched teams that really I think the
whole thing is going to be dictated by who does
a better job in front of their net and in
driving the opposition that and trying to create some traffic.
Speaker 3 (21:01):
Now, Kevin, I was you just took the words out
of my mouth. I was going to ask you about
Tristan Nielsen getting called up. He obviously had a goal
in Game one. What is the impact he's had this
season with Eagles and what will the Eagles miss from
him from his services this weekend against Tucson.
Speaker 5 (21:16):
Yeah, he's a guy that can finish.
Speaker 6 (21:17):
I mean that's something that you know, there's a lot
of great players in the AHL, and there are guys
that can put up points, but there are not always
guys that can can finish in big opportunities, and he's
been one of those guys that's that's been able to
finish for Colorado and that's why he's got nine goals
already on the year. So for Colorado, I think that
they're going to miss certainly some offensive production. You're also
(21:40):
going to at that point have lost your line of
gooshen Tynan and Nielsen. That was really a big driving
force of this team. So now you've got to shuffle
the deck and you've got to start moving some pieces around.
Speaker 5 (21:54):
They've had to do that here.
Speaker 6 (21:55):
And there already with some call ups and whatnot, but
they're really going to have to dig into the at
going into this week. And the other thing is he
plays a little bit of an abrasive style. He's a
little bit of a thorn in the side of the opponent.
So that's also a thing that the productive guys don't
always bring, and there are guys that opposing teams don't
(22:15):
like but would like to have as a part of
their team. You know, that's sort of a style of play.
So I know that when he was with Abtsford, that
was the way we kind of looked at it. And
now that he's been on this side, and he's been
so good for this Eagles team. Yeah, it's going to
be tough to replace, but again, he really deserves the
opportunity another crack to go up with the Avalanche and
(22:36):
show what he can do. Made his NHL debut earlier
this year, so I mean this is still a little
bit new in his career path of getting some opportunities
to showcase what he can do at that next level.
Speaker 2 (22:49):
And Roadrunner fans may be hearing some similarities between Colorado
and their situation right now in Tucson. Earlier in the year,
you think about Kevin Rooney, the team had a lot
of momentum in their first couple games. He gets called
up to Utah, Steve Povin had to do some shuffling.
We saw some short term struggles from that, and then
the adjustments work their way out. Now, of course Rooney's
back in the lineup and things are starting to look
(23:10):
up again. Perhaps no coincidence there. Something that caught my
eye Kevin is after the Goushin injury, Colorado actually went
eleven and seven, and now you mentioned Nielsen getting called up,
So now the team is actually down two forwards. Do
you think that could be a possibility this weekend as well.
Speaker 6 (23:27):
You know, it sounds to me, and I know that
the Eagles have called up Neil Sheha from Utah. That's
a guy that's off to a good start in the ECCHL.
He had a really nice season last year with the
Utah Grizzlies. He close to twenty goals. Came up with
the Eagles for a little bit last year, played eight games,
had a goal and a couple of sists. So they
feel like he can slot in pretty nicely into this lineup.
(23:49):
And then I think you're real close with some guys
who have been injured and maybe have a chance to
get back into the lineup. So you've had guys who
have been out for an extended period, guys like Nikita,
prishopov Steinberg, Cooper Gay. You know, you still have Chase
Bradley out, so you know there are some guys who
are starting to get a little bit closer. I don't
know if it's going to be this weekend or not,
(24:09):
but I think that's possibly on the horizon. And then
you also didn't have Taylor mccarr in that game when
Colorado was going to be playing on a Sunday in
the NHL. He didn't play on Saturday, so you'll get
him back seemingly for the games this weekend. And he's
a guy that plays a really physical style of hockey,
so maybe you get a little bit of back of
(24:30):
you know what you don't have with Nielsen, With mccarr
going in and then the call up of Neil Shea,
I would imagine unless something changes, you probably would go
back to the twelve and six.
Speaker 2 (24:41):
The one name that comes to my mind with those
two forwards. And obviously there will be adjustments and guys
been called u Blake you mentioned, but one constant I
think that that could be crucial for Colorado is type Elibert.
I was impressed by him last weekend and I'm just
wondering maybe you think his outlook could be a little
bit more impressive this weekend or if more will be
put on him played against the Roadrunners.
Speaker 5 (25:01):
Yeah, it's definitely going to be.
Speaker 6 (25:03):
And In tis a guy that had just a monster
season last year. I mean he had a true breakout
season last year with the Eagles. Twenty two goals, twenty
two assists, made his NHL debut, and I think finally
just got to that point where you know, for some
players it comes in year one, and some guys it
comes in year four, year five, and you finally reached
that point where you realize your potential. And I think
(25:25):
that he's got to a point where we're starting to
realize that potential. But he got off to a slow
start this year, and Alex barre Boule was another guy
that got off to a slow start this year, and
then all of a sudden, now they both started to
find some consistent scoring, which it's not only nice to
have now without Gushin and without Nielsen, it's it's going
to be necessary to have. And I think a little
(25:47):
bit of that abrasiveness that that Nielsen has is something
that that typ Feleber also has to his game. So
you know, it's life in the American League. As soon
as things are good and you're feeling like you've got
a healthy team, things don't go that way for very long.
So you have to be adaptable. And that's the same
for every single team in the AHL, whether it's injuries
(26:08):
up top, injuries on your own team. I mean, things
are going to force you to be nimble, force you
to find a way to put guys in different roles
and find guys that can excel in those roles, and
sometimes those are the best things that you see. I mean,
we had guys that have come up. Cedric Parry was
a guy that came in. Jake Wise was a guy
that came in that. You know, you go out and
(26:29):
you're kind of in a pinch and you need a player,
and you bring somebody in the next thing, you know, Wow,
this guy can really really produce at.
Speaker 5 (26:36):
This level and for this team. And there you go.
Speaker 6 (26:40):
You've got yourself somebody that's a diamond in the rough.
So you know, sometimes these things can lead to to
real positives. But you know, for the time being, when
you're looking at what you have and what you don't
have on the lineup chart, you got a couple of
holes right now that spell out to about twenty goals
that aren't in the lineup as of right now for Colorado.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
Now, Trent, I mean, Kevin, I gotta ask you about
Trent Minor as if by Trent Minor Real Quick picked
up his third win on Friday. He's three and oh
in four games played. Do we expect him to see
to see him in between the pipes this weekend against
Tucson and what have you noticed so far? Backing up
Isaac Posh at the start of the season, I.
Speaker 5 (27:21):
Think you do.
Speaker 6 (27:22):
I think you probably see both goaltenders. You know, Trent
was a guy that started the season up in the
NHL with the Avalanche and got an extended look with
the the injury to McKenzie Blackwood. So that was great
to see. That's something he deserved. And he had a
little bit of time in the NHL last year, which
was which was which is awesome because it's a guy that's,
you know, is a seventh round pick. He truly started
(27:43):
and worked his way up from the EHL, proved himself there.
You know, he's he's been here for years with the
Colorado Eagles now just plugging away, putting up great numbers,
racking up wins, and and doing it pretty quietly. He's
not a guy that's six foot four. He's a six
one guy, and I think sometimes, you know, guys, if
(28:03):
you're not six foot four, you kind of take a
back seat to the guy that does bring the bigger
frame and it kind of gets you a little bit
of a leg up anywhere, and not just in the NHL,
but you know, anywhere you see a goaltender. Well, that
guy's got a lot of size. Let's assume that he's
probably going to give us a better chance. And you know,
I think the success you saw with Dustin Wolf in Calgary,
(28:26):
both in the HL and now in the NHL kind
of proves that, you know, you don't have to be
six five six six to go out there and and
be this new prototypical goaltender and succeed. So the Avalanche
have given him that chance to work his way up
get all the way to the NHL, and I think
that's been absolutely awesome. He's he's a guy that just
gives you a chance to win, and that's that's the
(28:48):
biggest credit, I think to a goalie. And that's what
he's done for years now with all the teams he's
played with, and that includes the Grizzlies down in the EHL,
certainly the Eagles here in the American League, and when
he's played in the NHL he's done the exact same thing.
So you know, for a seventh round guy, that's a
pretty nice draft pick that the Avalanche were able to
find there. So yeah, I think you probably see both
(29:09):
goaltenders and I don't know how the season will end
up shaking out, but I think that for the time being,
you feel pretty good about that being a one to
two tandem where you can rotate. There's a lot of
back to back games in this league, and if somebody's
got the hot hand, maybe you ride it for a while,
but it gives you some flexibility.
Speaker 2 (29:27):
I don't have any friends over with anybody in the
Colorado organization, but I would imagine they're pretty pleased that
their two top ahl goaltenders are twenty four and twenty
three and both seem to be playing at a pretty
high level. So yeah, like you mentioned, not premium, not
a premium draft pick in minor, but he's playing like
it and he's just twenty four years old, so I
think there could be some promising things down the road
(29:47):
for him. Last question for me, Kevin, So you've got
some familiarity with the Roadrunners now, with them just playing
in Colorado last weekend, what would you say to Roadrunner
fans going to the game this weekend? What are they
going to see on the on Saturday and Sunday between
these two teams.
Speaker 6 (30:02):
Well, I think you're gonna see two really competitive games.
I think there's there's no doubt about that. I think
we saw that both Friday and Saturday of last weekend
here in Colorado.
Speaker 5 (30:11):
Is you know, you're.
Speaker 6 (30:12):
Gonna see the teams that put a real premium on
going out and taking your business on the penalty kill
and on the power play, knowing that that's a place
where you can get a foothold.
Speaker 5 (30:21):
In these games.
Speaker 6 (30:23):
For Colorado, I think that you know, you've got to
have some guys step up. You know, the old adage
of next man up is it is real in this
league and it's something that has to happen, and for
Colorado that has to happen this weekend. You've got to
have guys step up. Now you're missing Nil Sinegushi, but
you still have you know, TJ. Tynan, you still have
Jason Megna, you still have ty Felliber, you have jack A.
(30:45):
Shawan back on the blue line. There's guys that can
contribute offensively still with the absence of those players. But
you know, for Colorado and Tucson, I think it's it's
a really good matchup. And talking to the coaching staff,
they they said, you know what, Friday, it felt a
lot like playoff game, just sort of the way that
the two teams were matching up and going back with
one another, particularly through the first two periods. So I
(31:07):
think it's two teams that are pretty familiar with each other,
not just from this season, but with all the returning
faces Tippy from the Roadrunners that you do last year,
and you had a sense of what you're getting. So
I think it's gonna be a good two game set,
and I think the road Runners fans should be very
excited about what they have.
Speaker 5 (31:26):
That's a good.
Speaker 2 (31:27):
Team, competitive series on tap. Indeed, we want to thank
Kevin for joining us again. Road Runners and Eagles seven
o'clock on Saturday, four o'clock on Sunday. Radio coverage on
Fox Sports fourteen fifty, television coverage HLTV. Now on Flow Sports.
You can hear from James and myself right there bringing
you all the action. We all expect a competitive series
between Colorado and Tucson. Don't miss it.
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