The Colorado Eagles launched their American Hockey League Pacific Division first-round playoff series with a 3-0 victory over the San Diego Gulls on Wednesday night. T.J. Tynan, Tristen Nielsen and Taylor Makar scored for Colorado, while Trent Miner recorded his first Calder Cup Playoff shutout. Colorado, which finished second in the Pacific Division during the regular season, now leads the best-of-three series 1-0.
Colorado goaltender Trent Miner stopped all 18 shots he faced to secure the shutout in Game 1, played on April 22. San Diego's Damian Clara made 25 saves but allowed three goals on 28 shots. Tristen Nielsen, who tallied nine points in 24 games during Abbotsford's Calder Cup postseason last year, added an assist to his goal in this matchup. Taylor Makar and T.J. Tynan also found the net for the Eagles, who hosted the opener at their home rink. The second-seeded Eagles look to close out the series in Game 2 on Friday at 9:05 p.m. ET, with San Diego visiting. A potential Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday at 5:05 p.m. ET, if necessary.