In a Friday night NCHC showdown, the Miami University RedHawks soared to a 3-0 victory over the Omaha Mavericks, marking their 13th win of the season, a feat they haven't accomplished since 2015-16. The shutout snapped a 52-game streak for the Mavericks without being held scoreless. Here are three key takeaways from the game:
1. Drobac's Dominance in Net: Matteo Drobac was the undeniable star of the game, earning the First Star honor after stopping all 19 shots he faced. His stellar performance not only secured the shutout but also marked his third of the season, making him the first Miami goaltender to achieve that many in a single year since Ryan Larkin in 2019-20. Drobac's confidence in net was a key factor in Miami's defensive success, as the RedHawks allowed one goal or less in their past three games, the team's longest such streak since 2018. A nail-biting moment occurred in the second period when Drobac ventured into the corner to play the puck and was met by an Omaha skater, but he managed to recover and prevent a scoring opportunity.
2. Timely Third-Period Offense: After two scoreless periods, Miami's offense exploded in the third, netting all three of their goals. Kocha Delic broke the ice just 57 seconds into the period with a 4-on-4 goal, assisted by Michael Phelan. Delic, who was named the Second Star of the Game, now shares the team lead in points with 19. Bradley Walker doubled the lead at the six-minute mark, converting a one-timer after a hit by Ethan Hay dislodged the puck, and Doug Grimes provided the assist. Walker's return to the ice after blocking a shot with his foot in the second period proved crucial, earning him the Third Star of the Game. Blake Mesenburg sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final two minutes, assisted by Maximilion Helgeson and Ryan Smith.
3. Miami's Defensive Prowess and Special Teams Success: Miami's defense was stifling, limiting Omaha to just 19 shots on goal, matching their lowest total allowed this season. The RedHawks have allowed one goal or less in each of their past three games, the team's longest such streak since 2018. The team also continued its strong penalty kill, not allowing a power-play goal for the fifth consecutive game, the longest streak for the program since December 2020. Despite some early penalties in the second period, Miami's special teams unit stood tall, preventing Omaha from capitalizing on their opportunities.
