By Bridget (Weide) Brooks
After a frustrating Friday night in Kalamazoo, Omaha responded in a big way Saturday, earning its best win of the season and reminding fans that this team still is in the fight.
The Mavericks split the weekend at No. 3 Western Michigan, falling 5-2 Friday before bouncing back with a decisive 4-1 win Saturday at Lawson Arena.
Friday: Broncos Extend Streak
Western Michigan entered Friday riding a nine-game winning streak — and made it 10 with a 5-2 victory over Omaha.
Western Michigan entered Friday riding a nine-game winning streak — and made it 10 with a 5-2 victory over Omaha.
The Broncos struck first at 12:43 of the opening period when Zack Sharp scored at even strength. Omaha answered quickly. Just over a minute later, Marcus Nguyen tied the game 1-1 off an assist from Luke Woodworth.
But the second period decided the game.
Jamison Sluys gave WMU a 2-1 lead at 3:37 and William Whitelaw extended it to 3-1 less than two minutes later. From there, Omaha was chasing.
Western Michigan added a power-play goal just 22 seconds into the third period when Liam Valente capitalized with the man advantage. After Maxime Pellerin pulled Omaha within two midway through the third (4-2), Valente struck again to restore the three-goal cushion, giving WMU the 5-2 win.
Simon Latkoczy made 40 saves in the loss, but WMU controlled the play much of the night, outshooting Omaha 45-30.
At that point, it felt like the Broncos might sweep Omaha again.
Saturday: A Decisive Response
Instead, the Mavericks delivered their best performance of the year.
Omaha defeated No. 3 Western Michigan 4-1, snapping the Broncos’ 10-game winning streak.
The tone was set early.
Marc Lajoie opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 10:46 of the first period, assisted by Aidan de la Gorgendiere and Samuel Huo. That early goal was critical. Omaha finished 1-for-8 on the power play but generated 10 shots with the man advantage.
Western Michigan tied the game shorthanded at 7:00 of the second period when Zaccharya Wisdom scored unassisted on a breakaway.
But, Omaha responded late in the period. With 2:20 remaining in the second, Brett Hyland finished a play from Jeremy Loranger to restore the Mavericks’ lead at 2-1.
And in the third period, Omaha took control.
Marcus Nguyen extended the lead to 3-1 at 3:31 of the third, assisted by Marcus Broberg and Luke Woodworth. Then, with Western Michigan pressing late and the goalie pulled, Woodworth sealed it with an empty-net goal at 19:49.
Simon Latkoczy was outstanding, stopping 25 shots and earning the First Star of the game.
Even more impressive: Omaha killed all five WMU power plays (including two in the third period) against a team that had been averaging nearly four goals per game entering the night.
Western Michigan outshot Omaha 26-25, but the Mavericks never trailed.
Saturday night’s game demonstrated what is possible for the Mavericks when they get elite goaltending from Latkoczy, contributions up and down the lineup, strong defensive zone coverage, and a timely power-play goal. Limiting turnovers and staying out of the penalty box help too.
After being outscored by WMU 8-2 in the first three meetings this season, Omaha finally got the win, and they did it on the road, against the defending national champion.
Omaha has a bye this week before hosting Denver on Feb. 13-14 at Baxter Arena.
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