Ice Hockey | Pexels by Pixabay
Ice Hockey | Pexels by Pixabay
Tenth-ranked Western Michigan scored three goals in the first 10 minutes of the second period and defeated Colorado College, 4-1, Friday night at Ed Robson Arena.
With the victory, Western Michigan (15-9-1, 7-5-1 NCHC) moved past the Tigers (10-12-1, 6-6-1) into fourth place in the league standings.
Following a scoreless first period that saw just 13 total shots, the Broncos put the game away in the first half of the second period. The nation's leader in points, Ryan McAllister, scored a power-play goal just 47 seconds into the middle frame with a wrister from the left circle.
Zak Galambos doubled the lead at the 8:04 mark when his shot from the right boards snuck past CC goalie Kaidan Mbereko, then Hugh Larkin completed a 2-on-1 with a pass from Jack Perbix to make it 3-0 just 30 seconds later.
The Tigers had a golden opportunity to cut into the Bronco lead, but could not find the net during a five-minute power play late in the second period after Tim Washe was whistled for a major penalty and game misconduct for contact to the head.
Noah Laba finally put the Tigers on the board at the 3:46 mark of the third period when WMU's Cam Knuble sent the puck right to Laba in front of the Bronco net and the freshman beat Cameron Rowe for his eighth goal of the season.
The Tigers kept knocking on the door, but couldn't get another one past Rowe.
"I think the Laba goal gave us a little bit more of a boost," head coach Kris Mayotte said. "I thought we were able to settle down and get back into our game. When you're down three you feel like you have to push and you have to take risks. And again, that is a dangerous team to takes risks on. Once we got that goal that allowed us to breather and let us work for the next one."
Jason Polin, who assisted on McAllister's goal, notched his nation-leading 22nd goal with an empty-netter at 17:57 of the third period.
Colorado College outshot the Broncos, 28-25, but was 0-2 on the power play. Meanwhile, the Broncos capitalized on one of their two man-advantage opportunities. Rowe finished with 27 saves, while Mbereko had 21.
The teams will battle again on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Robson Arena, beginning at 6 p.m.
Original source can be found here.