OXFORD, Ohio – Although it made a strong second period push, the Colgate men's hockey program dropped a 6-0 decision at Miami (OH) Saturday evening in the nonconference series finale.
The RedHawks made an offensive impact quickly, as they took quick advantage of the open space while playing 4-on-4 by scoring on a wrist shot in the slot just 2:48 in. The second half of the period featured the ignition of the Raider offense, when they earned the man advantage with 5:41 remaining in the period. The momentum led into a 2-on-1 chance in the waning seconds of the period, before Miami's netminder made a toe save at the buzzer to carry the RedHawks 1-0 lead into the second period.
Colgate came out from the locker room with a new fire in the second period as they presented their most dynamic offensive presence of the season through the first half of the period. Most notably, sophomore
Trevor Cosgrove slammed a one-timer from the point, that was just inches from finding the back of the net as it was deterred by the echo of the pipe.
Despite having one mere shot on goal through nearly the first half of the second period, the NCHC powerhouse claimed full advantage of its power play midway through the stanza when they snuck the puck between the pipe and Colgate goaltender
Andrew Farrier from a wide angle at the goal line to gain a 2-0 lead. The effort increased their lead on the scoreboard, although it didn't deter Colgate's presence in the Miami zone, as the Raiders continued to rattle off shots on the Miami goaltender. Colgate's strong offense of the second period was snuffed by a pair of late Miami goals, including one with just 4.9 second on the board, which fueled the RedHawk energy into the third period.
The blow of the late goals made it a tough comeback for the Colgate squad, as they looked to overcome a four-goal deficit with just 20:00 to play. Although there were powerful moments for the Colgate offense, Miami ultimately added two more tallies in the second half of the period, to complete the scoring on the night at 6-0.
STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
• Freshman goaltender
Andrew Farrier earned his first career start in goal, where he made 35 saves, including a game-high of 18 in the third period.
• The 35 save performance matches that of fellow freshman netminder
Mitch Benson in the Raiders' 2-1 win over New Hampshire (Oct. 13).
• Colgate's strongest offensive period came in the second when they tallied 14 of their 30 shots on goal. Of the shots, Colgate was led by Friday night's goal scorer in
Josh McKechney, who tallied a team-high of five against the RedHawks.
• The Raiders posted 19 blocked shots to Miami's 15, three each coming from
Ken Citron,
Jacob Panetta and
Trevor Cosgrove.
• Miami held a narrow 30 to 27 edge in face-offs won, the first team this season to beat the Raiders in the circle through five games.
• Overall, Colgate went 2-for-3 on the penalty kill and 0-for-2 on the power play, while Miami ultimately outshot the Raiders 41-30.
THE BOTTOM LINE
• Miami 6, Colgate 0
RECORD UPDATES
• Colgate holds a 2-3-0 record overall through early nonconference play.
• Miami improves to 6-2-0 on the season.
COACH VAUGHAN'S TAKE
"At the end of the night we didn't have an answer for Miami's top line and they controlled the play when they were on the ice. We tried a bunch of different things."
"I think the second period was our best and could have gotten one there. Cosgrove rattled one off the crossbar and that could make it a one-goal game and a different story."
"We'll find a way to stay the course and generate some offense. You're not going to win any games if you don't score any goals."
UP NEXT
Colgate now returns home to Class of 1965 Arena as they begin a six-game home stand and open ECAC Hockey play. The Raiders host Brown on Friday, Nov. 2, followed by Yale on Saturday, Nov. 3, while both games are slated for a 7 p.m. puck drop.
FOLLOW THE RAIDERS
For more information on the Colgate men's hockey program, follow the Raiders on Twitter @ColgateMIH and Instagram at colgate_mih.
