The Eagles enter the game coming off an impressive 3-1 win over the Chiefs two nights prior has them currently sitting second in Mainland Division with 29 points four behind Division leading Rivermen with 33 points.
The Wild enter the game having won the first two games on the three game lower mainland road trip over Coquitlam (5-1) and the Rivermen by a 4-2 margin.
The Eagles enter the game with expectations of more productivity on the special teams going 2-7, while the Wild are looking at improving on the 2-10 record over the previous two games on the current road trip.
The Wild came out with a jump to their stride getting the first of the game an early 54 seconds in with Stratton putting them on the board for the early lead followed by a second at 7:20 while on the PP taking this to the dressing room.
Shots after one saw the Wild outshooting the Eagles by a 15-7 margin with Tallarico doing all he could to keep the Eagles in the game, while Park was tested, but not as often.
The second saw a resurgence Eagle squad as the play was kept on-side at the left side by Ross as he hammered one on Park who allowed a huge rebound bouncing to the right side boards for the waiting Cody Schiavon.
He immediately threw it below the goal-line to Campese who sent a quick pass out front to the waiting Westgard who delivered a one-timer while on his right knee sending one over the shoulder of Park at 1:02 pulling the Eagles within one.
The game remained 2-1 for the remainder of the period with the Eagles offering far more determination outshooting the Wild by a 14-10 margin as they headed to the dressing rooms after two.
Surrey had the grit to stay with the Wild, skating with them stride for stride and it wasn’t until the 7:01 mark of the third that Wesley took the puck off the stick at mid ice going one on one with Park.
As we have seen in the past it’s not nothing new and with Wesley, it’s a look and shoot attitude as he managed to once again bulge the twine getting the Eagles even on the scoreboard tied at two.
The game remained tied with both Wild’s Park and Eagles Tallarico playing exceptional between the pipes keeping the game tied making many spectacular stops for the remainder of the third sending the teams to OT.
Shots after three saw the Eagles outshot the Wild by a 9-7 margin, but trailing through three by a narrow 32-30 margin.
As we have seen in previous games this is not only exciting, but extremely entertaining for the 824 fans taking in the game, except the 30+ that came with the Wild for the weekend games.
With OT winding down Wesley broke in on the left side from inside his own blue line drawing all four Wild players over to his side managing to slide one mid ice to the right side to the waiting Steward who rifled one past Park at 4:50 giving the Eagles the OT game winner.
The win moves the Eagles sitting in second place in the Mainland Division with a record of 14-10-2-1 through 27 games on the heels of the Rivermen.
The story of the game has to be the exceptional play of both goaltenders as Tallarico and Park played exceptional giving each one the chance to pull off the win.
Tallarico faced 35 shots stopping 33, while Park faced 36 sent his way from the strong forecheck of the Eagles stopping 33 on the night.
FORTIS BC PLAYER OF THE GAME
Jeffrey Stewart (1 Goal)
THREE STARS:
1st John Wesley (1 Goal/1 Assist)
2nd Nic Tallarico (35 Shots Against/33 Saves)
3rd Austin Park (36 Shots Against/33 Saves)
The Eagles have time to celebrate the birthday win for Head Coach Brandon West before hitting the ice for a showdown with the Langley Rivermen at the “Nest” November 24th with the face-off set for 7 pm.
Make plans to attend and bring the Family for an evening of fun and enjoyment! Thanks to everyone that joined in for the post-game “Skate With The Eagles” The excitement continues!
