For the second time this weekend, BGSU hockey (12-9-4, 8-6-4) was able to gain a point by tying Augustana University (14-7-3, 6-3-1) only to end up losing in post-regulation play.
While BG can find some solace in claiming a total of two points between the weekend’s games, they still left some points on the table while Augustana was able to collect four and leapfrog Minnesota State to take first place in the CCHA standings.
With so much emphasis on the playoffs during this portion of the season, this weekend’s games carried with them a playoff atmosphere. Both games were high-checking, low-scoring affairs where goaltending played key roles.
“That’s probably a good learning curve for us”, said senior forward and co-captain Ryan O’Hara. “Those are good games to play now and we should be prepared down the stretch to play tight-checking games like that.”
BG and Augustana played two tight-checking games, but game two of the series featured a return to the animosity that the CCHA is known for. Multiple post-whistle-shoving matches and players consistently jawing back and forth added to the playoff environment of the game.
Unlike Friday night, fans didn’t have to wait until after regulation to see a goal as graduate student forward Seth Fyten scored his first goal of the season and the first goal of the game with just over a minute remaining in the first period. Graduate student forward Ville Immonen and junior forward Jackson Niedermayer assisted on the play and made two perfectly placed passes that set up a one-timer for Fyten in the blue paint.
“That’s about as nice as [Fyten] handlebar mustache he’s growing right now. What a great guy, awesome teammate, really happy for him” said Coach Dennis Williams after the game. “He’s that type of player that I wish I could’ve coached longer because he just gives it all for BG hockey.”
Augustana responded in the second period with a shorthanded goal from freshman forward Joey DelGreco. Sophomore forward Hunter Bischoff and junior defenseman Will Svenddal assisted in the play that culminated in the shorthanded breakaway opportunity and goal for DelGreco.
Neither team would score again in regulation or overtime, but it wasn’t due to a lack of trying. The Falcons recorded 42 shots on goal over the 65 minutes of play before the shootout. Augustana were also able to get 28 shots of their own.
The goalies were fantastic once again, as Augustana’s Josh Kotai made 41 saves while only surrendering 1 goal on his way to a .976 save percentage performance.
Senior goaltender Christian Stoever also only allowed 1 goal through regulation and overtime while making 27 saves and recording a .964 save percentage on the night.
The winning goal for Augustana came from freshman forward Nace Langus in the third round of the shootout.
While the weekend can be viewed as disappointing in the eyes of Falcon fans, there are a lot of positives to look upon and be excited about as the Orange and Brown enter the final stage of the regular season.
The Falcon penalty kill was perfect on the weekend and stopped all five powerplay opportunities for Augustana.
BG outshot their opponent 75 to 63 throughout the weekend.
Bowling Green played with good defensive structure at all positions throughout the weekend and blocked 13 shots between the two games. Players like graduate student forwards Ethan Scardina and Seth Fyten, and junior forward Quinn Emerson were able to block multiple shots between the two games.
Next weekend the Falcons will travel to Marquette, Michigan to challenge the Northern Michigan University Wildcats at the Berry Events Center on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
Falcon Media Sports Network’s Ben Corak will have the call for both games on WBGU 88.1 FM.
