Miami University
Northern Michigan
Power-Play Goals Lift No. 1 Miami to Weekend Sweep
10/31/2009 12:00:00 AM | Hockey
Oct. 31, 2009
MARQUETTE, Mich. -- No. 1 Miami's second-period dominance on the road continued Saturday night as the RedHawks scored a pair of power-play goals enroute to a 2-1 victory over Northern Michigan Saturday night at the Berry Events Center. Miami has outscored its opponents 14-6 on the road this year in the middle stanza.
Chris Wideman and Tommy Wingels each converted man-advantage situations and Cody Reichard tallied 22 saves as the RedHawks improved to 6-1-1 (3-1-0-0) on the season.
"I am proud of the guys for the way we played, particularly since we have been a little under the weather," Head Coach Rico Blasi said. "We dug deep tonight. The power play was huge for us tonight and that's what you need when you aren't getting anything 5-on-5."
Northern Michigan (1-4-1, 0-2-0-0) jumped out to an early lead with a power play goal at 11:43 of the first. After an interference call, Mark Olver converted a one-timer from the left point for his third goal of the weekend. The period ended with 13 Wildcat shots, compared to the RedHawks' eight.
Miami answered midway through the second (9:28) on its third power-play try of the game. Wideman tallied his first career goal, firing a shot from the blueline through traffic. Andy Miele and Reilly Smith were credited with the assists.
The Redhawks capitalized on a too-many-men call to take a 2-1 lead. Carter Camper fed Wingels in neutral ice and the junior captain made a move through his defender to get a one-on-one chance. Wingels beat Wildcat goalie Ryan Ellingson with the back hand with 5:23 left in the period.
Miami held a 26-25 advantage in shots, the seventh time in eight games that the RedHawks have put more attempts on net. MU improved to 3-1 when falling behind first and 2-1 when trailing after 20 minutes.
Miami stays on the road as part of a four-game road trip, visiting fifth-ranked Michigan next weekend.
