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Ann Arbor, MI- In a game that was played in two distinct patterns, Eastern Michigan ended up getting the last laugh at the 19:59 mark of the Third Period, thanks to the wonderful shot from Dane Dresch. Eastern Michigan defeated the Ohio Bobcats, 5-4 at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube Friday Night.

Eastern Michigan in this game came out very slowly, letting Ohio dictate the pace of the game. Ohio ultimately scored the first goal, by Sean Gallagher. Ohio played stifling defense as they were consistently blocking the passes and shots from EMU. Ohio just looked like they were ready to take control of the game, and without the great play from Jake Pruss in Goal, things could have been much worse for EMU. Ohio had stopped EMU so well, that Eastern only could muster 2 shots. EMU was extremely conservative, and for things to get any better for them, they would have to go out and play some aggressive hockey. Eastern Michigan also committed 4 penalties in the first period. It was quite interesting considering the Coach's comment that they had to play disciplined hockey to have a chance, and they were continually shooting themselves in the foot. Also, the Penalty Kill saved them on these Power Plays.

The advise was heard and Eastern Michigan came out with more fight in the second period and scored on a dribbler that completely confused the entire Ohio team and the outstanding Ohio Goalie, Mike Shell. A cross-ice pass was committed, and apparently it hit a stick and just rolled right into the net.  The goal was credited to Brandon Pomish. Eastern also scored a second goal 8 minutes later, another pretty goal scored by Johnny Brown. In the second period, Eastern looked like they were starting to gain momentum. They played an aggressive period of hockey and ultimately came out on the better side of the coin. Two penalties struck EMU at the beginning of the period which made this cause even more important.

Eastern then for the second straight time started to get a little bit lax, and they let Ohio score the second tying goal of the game, at 4:00 in the 3rd period. Then Eastern Michigan attacked with a great flurry scoring two goals, Johnny Brown's second and Mike Koveleski's first. However, then again EMU got lax and started to reduce themselves to a more conservative attitude on the ice, which led to another Ohio goal, which was rightfully deserved. Eastern continually fumbled around the puck in front of the net, and Pruss stopped 2 tough shots, but every once in a while one sneaks in, and a goal was scored. 

From the stands, EMU then killed the next four minutes of the game and things were looking good, though worrisome. Then a nightmare struck. Ohio scored for the second straight year with 57 seconds left in the game,, scored by Frank Kubas. This led the crowd into thinking Overtime. However, one late rush was produced by EMU and with less then 1 second left, Dresch nailed the winner, sending the EMU Crowd into an extremely happy celebration, with the Fight Song blaring in the background.

Ohio University showed a lot of outstanding things about their team to me on this evening, and they have always been one of my favorite teams to watch a game at the Cube. When Ohio is in town, I am 100% guaranteed of watching a team that plays with heart, desire, a strong defensive attitude and takes advantage of little mistakes. On this night, they came up short. However, in the future it won't happen, this is a team better then #7, I have a hunch they'll do really well in the nationals. 

So ultimately, the game was played in two halves. Eastern Michigan playing defensive and conservative which led to Ohio seizing the advantage, and Eastern Michigan attacking aggressively and having some good things happen. Both teams deserved to win, but for the sake of this being a fan page for EMU, the right team won.

Looking Ahead: 
Eastern Michigan has one more game against Ohio tomorrow at 7:30 PM on the Stadium Rink. I will not be there unfortunately, because I may attend the EMU vs Buffalo Football game. Next week, Eastern Michigan remains at home to take on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, for 2 Four-Point Games. Come on out, and have some fun and may the "Eagles Fight Song." be played loudly tonight and tomorrow!

B+
Reasoning: The offense was pretty good all night. Eastern's offense was clicking at some times during the game and then at others, it just completely collapsed. My best example, would have to be the first period in which Eastern just looked flat. The offense did score 5 goals,  and did what they HAD to do. 

B
Reasoning: The defense didn't seem as focused tonight. The defense forced the goalie Jake Pruss to make a lot of saves that the defense should of helped deflect or get in the way of. The defense also had several letdowns, which did lead to a couple of goals. However, there were several great defensive plays that were made as well, to merit a decent grade. 

A
Reasoning: One of the two reasons EMU stayed in this game was due to an outstanding penalty kill, limiting an outstanding Special Teams team, to NO Goals on the Power Play in FIVE chances. Outstanding work. The Power Play for EMU was 0/2 but didn't have a ton of chances, so it's not fair to be a difficult judge against a team that good, and with only 2 chances.

A-
Jake Pruss played an ALMOST flawless game. He made several outstanding stops, and truly three of the goals were the fault of the defense of the Eastern Michigan team. Jake was left out to dry, and on 95% of the occasions he stopped the puck. He destroyed the penalty kill with some help as well. Only one mistake, was the 4th goal. He allowed for the puck to just be sitting right in front of him without making any effort to gather it. It was not a huge deal, but a minor mistake should be noted.

A-
Reasoning: You couldn't ask for a more exciting last minute of a hockey game then that. Scoring with 1 second left on the clock, sending the crowd into a furious celebration is just the way to keep EMU fans coming to the games. Ohio played one amazing game, Eastern played a very decent game and I think they are two equal teams. Tomorrow's game, should be fun.

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