Eagles Head to Henderson for Second Round Matchup
Apr 30, 2026
By Carlynn Claypool
After sweeping the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Colorado Eagles will go on the road to start the second round against the Henderson Silver Knights.
During the regular season, the Eagles went 6-2-0-0 against the Silver Knights, outscoring them 26-17.
Colorado had three players record eight or more points against Henderson, including forward Alex Barré-Boulet, who had three goals and seven assists. Forward Tanner Laczynski led the Silver Knights with three goals and five assists.
Goaltending also played a key role in Colorado’s success. Against Henderson, Eagles netminders allowed an average of 1.90 goals per game.
Goaltender Trent Miner secured three of the wins in the season series, including a shutout in which he faced 35 shots. He carried that performance into the postseason, recording a shutout in Game 1 against the San Diego Gulls and allowing just one goal in the series as the Eagles completed the sweep.
“I wanted a dog in there, somebody that was just going to do anything to win a hockey game,” coach Mark Letestu said. “I thought his ability to compete gave confidence to our players. It gave them comfort that if they made mistakes, we had somebody back there to make up for it. I think that allowed us to play a little more free.”
The only active Henderson goaltender to earn a win against Colorado this season was Carl Lindbom, who appeared in five games and allowed an average of 2.45 goals per game.
Lindbom started both games for Henderson in the first round, helping the Silver Knights sweep the San Jose Barracuda. He allowed five goals and posted a .891 save percentage in the series.
Colorado enters the second round with added depth, with both returning players and recent additions contributing to a more complete lineup.
That depth has created matchup challenges for opposing teams, particularly against the forward group. Forward Ivan Ivan led the Eagles in scoring during the first round with three points (one goal, two assists).
“Rolling out Ivan, Polin and Bradley as a fourth line, guys who have played in our top six a lot this year, has given other teams difficult matchups,” Letestu said. “You look at the San Diego series, Ivan comes out as our leading scorer. The depth up front, and getting a guy like Alex Gagne back, just lengthens our team and the quality of players.”
Henderson forward Trevor Connelly leads the team in scoring through the playoffs with five points (one goal, four assists) in two games. During the regular season, Colorado held Connelly to two assists in two games.
The Eagles enter the second round with confidence after sweeping the Gulls. With players settling into defined roles, the team has been able to play to its identity, and Letestu does not anticipate major changes.
“Goaltending is good. Special teams did their job. There’s not a lot you want to clean up,” Letestu said. “Our details have to remain sharp, and our compete level has to rise to another level.”
Both teams enter the second round with momentum after first-round sweeps. Although Colorado holds home-ice advantage, it will begin the series on the road.
“Our goal is to win every game. Nobody in here is talking about a split,” Letestu said. “We’re going in there trying to win Game 1 and build from there. We’ve always been a pretty good road team, and there’s no matchups I’m uncomfortable with.”
Colorado will open the second round on the road May 1 at 8 p.m. MT and will return to Blue Arena for Game 3 on May 6. Tickets for all second-round games are on sale now. For more information, visit ColoradoEagles.com or call or text (970) 686-SHOT (7468).
