By Connor Willingham
Gritty.
No, I’m not talking about the mascot. I’m talking about last weekend series. In two brutally fought battles against Miami University, the UNO hockey team was able to split with the RedHawks.
Friday’s game saw another standout performance from now three-time NCHC Goaltender of the Week Evan Weninger. Weninger stopped all 38 shots faced to surpass 3,000 career saves and is now rapidly approaching Dan Ellis’ career save record. Even though Miami dominated possession most of the night, the Mavs were able to stop the RedHawk offense while scoring three goals of their own, starting with a power play goal by Teemu Pulkkinen in the second period. The Mavs were able to wrap this one with two goals in the third with Ryan Galt and Mason Morelli (empty net goal).
Arguably, UNO played better on Saturday night. That said, they got behind early in the first period with two goals from Miami, and Weninger did not get in to a solid rhythm. The RedHawks also started off the second period with a goal before two goals from Chayse Primeau and Jalen Schulz narrowed the score to 3-2. The Mavs did not score again, however, and an insurance goal by Miami’s Josh Melnick sealed the deal. Saturday night’s win by Miami was their first non-exhibition win since November 17.
While many were hopeful for a sweep, a split by the Mavericks keeps them from hitting the bottom of the NCHC standings, crucial for any NCHC tournament run. UNO now has a bye week to rest up from last weekend’s battle before Saint Cloud State, ranked number one in the pairwise, comes to Baxter Arena.
Want more analysis about last weekend? Want a preview of the St. Cloud State series? Want to hear Jon (mistakenly) refer to Miami as the top team in the NCHC not once but twice? Then listen to the Mavpuckcast with Jason and Jon!
OPPONENT WATCH
Colorado College put up a much bigger fight than expected against St. Cloud State, taking both games to overtime, showing once again how competitive each NCHC team can be every night. In the end, St. Cloud State “won the tie” in 3-on-3 OT on Friday, while winning outright in the first overtime on Saturday.
NCHC foes Denver, North Dakota, Duluth and Western all had bye weeks last weekend.
WEEKLY HONORS
UNO goaltender Evan Weninger was named the Bauer NCHC Goaltender of the Week for his heroics in the Miami series.
WEEKLY HONORS
UNO goaltender Evan Weninger was named the Bauer NCHC Goaltender of the Week for his heroics in the Miami series.
RANKINGS
UNO remains 41st in the Pairwise rankings and — barring any surprises — will stay around that ranking. Complete list: www.collegehockeynews.com/ratings/ncaapwcr.php
UNO did not receive votes in either the USCHO.com or USAToday/USA Hockey Mazagine polls.
UNO remains at 7th in the NCHC. www.collegehockeynews.com/reports/conf/NCHC/9
Connor Willingham is a periodic contributor to Mavpuck.com and a moderator of the Mavpuck Facebook group. He graduated from UNO in 2014 and is an avid follower of UNO and college hockey. You can find him on Twitter at @INTLMAV.
Connor Willingham is a periodic contributor to Mavpuck.com and a moderator of the Mavpuck Facebook group. He graduated from UNO in 2014 and is an avid follower of UNO and college hockey. You can find him on Twitter at @INTLMAV.
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