Series Preview: Texas Faces Colorado for a Rare Four-Game Series

(Credit: Texas Stars)

Texas emerges from nearly a week off to face Colorado back in Cedar Park tonight. The Eagles are one of five opponents this season, but these four games are the only visit to Texas this year for the Avalanche farm club.

Colorado is coming off a cancellation in their schedule with COVID protocol cancelling their game against Henderson on March 8. Prior to that, they had dropped a pair against the newly-minted Silver Knights, putting them two games below .500. It does not seem that the Eagles are in the top tier of the AHL this season. The pitiful Ontario Reign have one win in thirteen tries, and it came against this club. Of the four games this weekend, I would expect Texas to take three, if I'm being honest, especially as they come off a hot four-game winning streak.

A few familiar names headline the scoring for the Eagles; TJ Tynan and Ryan Wagner each have 2-3=5. Former Star Sheldon Dries is also on the roster but only has two games under his belt after assignment from the taxi squad. The goaltending situation is rough as Adam Werner and Parker Gaghagen have just 80 minutes of combined time this year with a 3.75 GAA and .889 SV%. Trent Miner, who had been their mainstay in net, was released from his ATO to return to the WHL as they return to play.

In net for Texas, there could be a difference maker this week. In addition to the sterling play of Tomas Sholl, Texas now adds known quantity Landon Bow on assignment from Dallas. Bow has yet to see game action this season, spending all year on the taxi squad. His numbers last year were not exceptional, but it seems this team is more exceptional than last year's so it seems the club will be better in front of him.

Colin Markison continues to be out with an injury, and Dallas recalled Jerad Rosburg this morning. Taylor Fedun was assigned in his stead from the taxi squad. Texas still has their ATO players from the OHL, but that could change at any moment if the league is able to return. I wrote for the AHL on the topic today, and you can click here to read more.

Injuries and callups
Rosburg (callup)
Markison (injury)