Omaha Hockey headed east for a two-game NCHC series at Goggin Ice Center and ran into a Miami University (Ohio) team that capitalized on momentum swings and special teams, as the RedHawks swept the weekend with a 3-0 win Friday and a 6-2 decision Saturday.
Friday: Miami Breaks Through Late in 3-0 Shutout
Friday night was scoreless for 40 minutes as Omaha leaned on goaltender Simon Latkoczy in his return from injury. Making his first appearance since Dec. 12, Latkoczy looked sharp early, turning aside Miami chances and keeping the Mavericks within reach through two periods.
Omaha controlled possession stretches in the opening frame and finished the night with a 40-34 shot advantage overall, but struggled to convert pressure into sustained scoring chances. After killing off two Miami power plays early in the second period, the Mavericks generated a late push before intermission, with Myles Hilman producing one of Omaha’s best looks in the final minutes of the period.
Miami finally broke through just 57 seconds into the third period while the teams were skating 4-on-4 after late second period coincidental minor penalties, scoring on a rebound chance to take a 1-0 lead. The RedHawks added an insurance goal midway through the period following an Omaha turnover and sealed the game with an empty-netter in the final two minutes.
Latkoczy finished with 22 saves in his return, while Omaha was shut out for the first time this season.
Saturday: Early Hole, Late Push Falls Short in 6-2 Loss
Saturday’s rematch followed a similar script, but the early margin proved too much to overcome.
Miami struck twice in a 90-second span early in the first period, then added a power-play goal late in the frame to carry a 3-0 lead into intermission. Omaha was limited to just three shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes, while freshman goaltender Dawson Cowan faced steady pressure from the outset.
The RedHawks extended the lead to 4-0 midway through the second period before Omaha finally broke through. Myles Hilman helped spark the response, setting up Sean Tschigerl at the net front to put the Mavericks on the board.
Omaha carried that momentum into the third period when Hilman scored less than two minutes in, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Any comeback hopes were short-lived, however, as Miami answered just 18 seconds later to restore a three-goal cushion.
Miami added another goal later in the third to close out the series. Cowan finished with 34 saves as the RedHawks held a 40-21 advantage in shots on goal.
Series Notes
- Friday’s loss marked the first time Omaha was shut out this season and snapped goaltender Simon Latkoczy’s perfect record against Miami (Ohio), as he entered the night 7-0-0 all-time versus the RedHawks.
- Omaha allowed five goals across the opening 27 minutes of the series before scoring its first goal late in Saturday’s second period.
- The Mavericks scored first in only one of the six periods played in Oxford and did not score a power-play goal during the series.
- Myles Hilman factored into both of Omaha’s goals Saturday, recording a goal and an assist after being held off the scoresheet Friday.
- Miami won its first NCHC series of the season with the sweep, improving its conference record to 5-7-2.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks return home next weekend to face Colorado College at Baxter Arena. Omaha swept the Tigers in Colorado earlier this season and will look to regroup as conference play continues.
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