NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – A magnificent performance by the Niagara men's hockey team in the second period lifted the team to a 5-0 rout of Robert Morris on Friday night. The Purple Eagles scored four times in the frame, to the delight of the Dwyer Arena audience. The sqaud will have a rematch with the Colonials tomorrow on Senior Night, with a potential bye into the AHA quarterfinals at stake.
Game Recap
- After a scoreless first period, Niagara opened the second with a fury. Chad Veltri made a monstrous save on the Colonials four minutes in, allowing Niagara to recover possession.
- 30 seconds later, and after some very brief back-and-forth, Jack Billings broke away from the Robert Morris defense and skated in on net alone. Billings held the puck and muscled it through the goalie from the blue paint to put Niagara ahead, 1-0.
- Three minutes later, Ryan Cook made it 2-0 with some masterful puck handling. After Ben Sokay dished it off to Cook in the corner, Cook carried the puck out and up to the blue line before taking it back in and ripping a lengthy shot through for his second goal in as many home games.
- With 5:30 left in the second, Jon Hill scored on a scramble play in front of the Colonials' net. After Cook recovered the puck at the Niagara blue line, the defenseman brought the puck in and took a shot from the wing. After the initial save was made, Ryan Cox got a swipe in before Hill's stab swept the puck across the line to make it 3-0.
- Niagara's offense continued to churn as Brandon Stanley made it 4-0 with three minutes left in the middle frame. An initial shot from Chris Harpur was saved but not corralled, as it slid to the side of the net. With the goalie sprawled and trying to recover, Brandon Stanley made it to the puck first, and lifted it over and in for his sixth goal of the year.
- Desperation mode set in early for the Colonials, who opted to pull their goalie with more than nine minutes left in the third. Robert Morris shuffled goalies over the next few minutes, until Zac Herrmann scored from the Niagara defensive zone. Herrmann fell to his knees to block a shot, absorbed the puck, then from one knee sent the puck the length of the ice to make it a 5-0 game.
Stat Spotlight
- Herrmann's long-range strike was his first career goal in his 60th career appearance.
- Veltri earned his second shutout of the month, both of which were on home ice. The first was also his first career shutout, back on February 7 against Mercyhurst.
- Niagara has now won its last five home games, and have 16 points in their last seven games on Monteagle Ridge. The Purple Eagles have gone 7-1-2-0 at Dwyer Arena since November 23.
Playoff Picture
- Things got a touch clearer for Niagara, but remain fairly clouded going into the final day of the regular season. Heading into tomorrow, the Purple Eagles still own the seven seed, two points behind Robert Morris and Air Force, and one point ahead of Bentley.
- The win ensures they fall no lower than eighth place, and if the team finishes as the sixth, seventh, or eighth seeds, Dwyer Arena would host the first round of the playoffs on March 6-8.
- The victory also keeps the Purple Eagles in the race for fifth place, which would give them the final bye into the quarterfinal round.
- In order for Niagara to secure the fifth seed, it needs to defeat Robert Morris in regulation or in the 5-on-5 overtime period. It also needs RIT to defeat Air Force in the same manner. If the Colonials or Falcons get at least one point tomorrow, Niagara is guaranteed a home playoff series.
Up Next
- These same two teams play again tomorrow night at Dwyer Arena. The game will begin at 7:05 p.m., and will be preceded by a pregame Senior Night ceremony. Fans interested in attending Friday's game can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster or contact the ticket office at 716-286-TIXX (8499). Following the game, head coach Jason Lammers will also be available for postgame comments and questions.
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