Forward Michael Joly recorded two assists to up his scoring total to 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 13 contests and is now tied for fourth in postseason scoring. Joly has five points (three goals, two assists) in the first three games of the series, including a hat trick in a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 1.
Penalty trouble in the third period cost the Eagles in their first road contest of the conference finals, as the Komets scored a 5-on-3 goal 45 seconds into the stanza to take a 2-1 lead. Shortly after the penalties expired, Fort Wayne tallied another marker to go up 3-1. A goal by Marto with nine seconds remaining brought Colorado within one score of the equalizer, but Fort Wayne added an empty-netter four seconds later to secure its lead.
Avalanche goaltending prospect Joe Cannata, who has started every game of the playoffs thus far for Colorado, made 22 saves in his 13th consecutive appearance. Cannata is 9-3-1 with a 2.22 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. The backstop has also posted two shutouts, including a 47-save clean slate to complete the sweep of the Idaho Steelheads in the second round. His two shutouts are the most of any playoff goaltender.
Fellow Avs prospects Travis Barron, Nicolas Meloche and Julien Nantel did not factor into the scoring for Colorado, but they did combine for five shots on goal. J.C. Beaudin did not play in the game.
The Eagles return to action on Friday when they continue their best-of-seven series against the Komets with Game 4. If the Eagles manage to win at least one of the next two outings in Indiana, the club will return to Loveland to host Game 6 on Tuesday and, if necessary, Game 7 on Wednesday.
