Dec. 13, 2008
Final Stats
GALLERY
Postgame with Reichard
OXFORD, Ohio -- Carter Camper (Rocky River, Ohio) and Jarod Palmer (Fridley, Minn.) led the charge as third-ranked Miami picked up its seventh consecutive victory, 3-1, Saturday night over RPI.
The RedHawks used the nation’s number one special teams unit to gain an early advantage as Justin Mercier (Erie, Pa.) netted his sixth goal of the season. The goal came after Erik Burgdoerfer of RPI picked up an obstruction-hooking call at 4:40 of the first. Palmer stole the puck in neutral ice and passed it cross ice to Camper, who dished it to Mercier. The power-play goal was the fourth of the season for the senior forward, who is now tied with Camper for the team lead for goals on the power play.
Miami finished the first frame one-of-one on the power play and the penalty kill. Cody Reichard (Celina, Ohio) stopped all 10 shots he faced in the first period.
The Engineers battled back in the second period as Chase Polacek picked up a Patrick Cullen rebound in front of the net to even the score at one. Seth Kierer picked up the second assist. Miami would regain the lead when Palmer and the RedHawk power play struck again at 12:56 of the second period. Camper worked the puck to Chris Wideman (St. Louis, Mo.) who found Palmer in the slot.
The RedHawks peppered the net in the second frame, getting 17 shots on Mathias Lange, the net minder for RPI. Reichard picked up seven more saves and the RedHawk penalty kill unit added two more kills to their total for the night.
Miami stayed aggressive in the third period but was unable to capitalize until Brian Kaufman (Shoreview, Minn.) found an empty net at 19:06. Miami killed off the only penalty it had in the third but was unable to take advantage of four man-up opportunities in the third.
The RedHawks (11-3-3 overall) and the Engineers (3-12-1) will be back in action tomorrow at 4:35 p.m. in Steve Cady Arena. The game will be televised live on ESPNU.
Miami RedHawk Hockey Game Notes
RPI at #3 Miami
Dec. 13, 2008 • Steve Cady Arena
- Miami's 3-1 victory over RPI was its seventh straight. The RedHawks' last loss occurred on Nov. 8, 2-1 against Ferris State.
Miami improved its all-time series record against RPI to 4-1. The RedHawks have now won four straight against the Engineers, including a road sweep last year.
Cody Reichard improved to 5-2-2 on the year with the victory. He has won four straight games and is unbeaten in five since a 1-2-1 start. The freshman has not allowed more than two goals in six straight games. Reichard added 22 saves to his total on Saturday night.
The two head coaches are no strangers to each other. Miami's Rico Blasi and RPI's Seth Appert were roommates during a two-year overlap (1997-99) as assistant coaches at Denver.
Miami is now 10-0-1 this season when scoring first.
Miami has not trailed in any of the last six games. The last time the RedHawks found itself down a goal was in the first Michigan State game on Nov. 14. Pat Cannone tied the score at 1 with a goal at 10:43 of the opening period, 369:17 ago
Justin Mercier, playing in his 134th career game, picked up the first goal of the game, his first in five games. He now has six goals on the year, tied for third most on the team. The score was also Mercier's third in four career games against RPI.
Jarod Palmer picked up his second game-winning goal of the season - and in three games - when he found the net in the second period. He also tallied a goal against Western Michigan last Friday. Palmer has four goals and 11 points on the season, also gaining an assist on the first goal.
Carter Camper was credited with assists on teo goals during the contest. He now has six points in his last two outings, after being credited with three goals and an assist vs. Western Michigan last Sunday.
Miami pitched another third period shutout at home on Saturday. RedHawk opponents have not found the Cady Arena net in the final 20 minutes since Ohio State scored with 29 seconds into the third in the season opener. That is a span of 152:16.
Brian Kaufman's empty-net goal with 54 seconds remaining was the second of the season for Miami. Carter Camper had the other at Michigan State on Nov. 15.It was Kaufman's fourth goal of the campaign, second straight without a final defender.
First Star: MU's Carter Camper (two assists); Second Star: MU's Jarod Palmer (game winning goal and an assist). Third Star: RPI's Mathias Lange (39 saves)
