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Eastern Michigan plays Ohio's style of play better, and wins a well played defensive game between two solid teams 5-2.

Ann Arbor, Michigan- The Eastern Michigan Eagles played their best defensive game of the year against the Ohio Bobcats on Saturday Night at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. The Eagles defeated the visiting Ohio Bobcats by the score 5-2, to give the Eagles a split against the #6 team in the country!

The Bobcats opened the scoring up only 17 seconds into the game as Ohio put a huge flurry on net against the Eagles and goalie Sam Horton couldn't do anything. It seemed as if the only time the Bobcats all night had a ton of success was in the first minute of each period, then the Eastern Michigan defense really took over. The Eagles responded 4 minutes later with a huge power play goal with only 1 second left in the Power Play from just a little behind the Blue Line, and was roofed over the head of the Ohio Goalie. John Fritz at the 9:27 mark in the first period scored the largest goal of the game, by also roofing it over the OU goalie to make the score 2-1 in favor of the Eagles. 

In the second period, the Eagles started to assert their own defensive dominance against the Ohio Bobcats. The players were getting in the lanes of the Ohio passes, checking the Bobcat players off of their positions and were also blocking a TON of shots that should of gotten through to goalie Sam Horton. A majority of the period was played in the Eastern Michigan zone as the Eagles started to get called for a ton of penalties and were forced to be on the Penalty Kill a ton. However, the Penalty Kill also looked outstanding during the second period and the rest of the game. The second period was a period that Ohio University should of scored their tying goal and perhaps even taken the lead. But thanks to the Eagles defense and the wonderful goaltending from Sam Horton, the Eagles shut off the Bobcats.

The third period seemed very much reminiscent of the second for the first half of the game. Both teams were playing solid defense and seemed to be afraid to make a mistake to allow the other team to take the lead. The game was being played like a typical Ohio-EMU game. However, the Bobcats 14:33 in the third made the mistake that cost them the game allowing for the Eagles to get by and score on the Ohio goalie making the score 3-1. The Eagles then added another goal to make it 4-1 shortly after. Ohio University did score another goal with the Ohio player literally standing directly in front of Sam Horton spending 5-6 seconds just trying to find the right spot to shoot and he scored. The final two minutes consisted of the Eagles scrambling in their own zone to prevent Ohio from cutting the game any closer. The Eagles concluded the game with an empty netter from center ice, to result in the final score of the game 5-2.

What the Eagles have done over the course of three weeks is pretty impressive. The Eagles have gone from a team that looked confused and skated with tentativeness to a team that is starting to look a bit more reminiscent of teams in the past. This game's defensive play by the Eagles impressed me so much that I am even willing to state that perhaps this was the best defensive game the Eagles have played in my four years of watching them. The two mistakes on defense came at inopportune but unimportant times, with the first coming only 16 seconds into the game and the other in which the Ohio player was just in the right spot at the right time. The Eastern Michigan defense was physical, and no one was afraid to block the puck from getting on net, which was exactly what Ohio was trying to do. It was an impressive display from a defense that was forced unfortunately though to play 80% of the game in their own zone.

The Penalty Kill was also outstanding as they were never really out of position at any time during the Ohio Power plays. The Eagles just attacked and pressured the Ohio players, while at the same time played back and protected the lanes of Sam Horton. The penalty kill just impressed me again. It was fundamentally sound hockey being played, and against a technical defensive team the Eagles played the style to perfection.

The Ohio Bobcats, who I have watched for several years play in one effective manner. They play solid defense and take advantage of the few mistakes that they are given to them. The Eagles gave them plenty of power plays, but played solid defense to bail them out. Ohio had a couple of breakaways that were also well defended by the Eagles, and of course we cannot forget the outstanding play of Sam Horton in goal. I'd be starting Horton as much as we can during this difficult stretch coming up. Ohio also seemed to play a little more aggressive than they have done in the past, while the Eagles played a lot more patient. Almost a reversal of roles really, and the Eagles won it.

Ohio did end their miserable streak at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube on Friday Night though with a 6-2 win over the Eagles, but after a performance like Saturday Night it really doesn't seem like that big of a deal. A team that can bounce back like that against a QUALITY opponent, shows some character. This team is continuing to improve, and if their offense can start to click a little better and their defense can continue to play this well, the Eagles might not stay in the lower rankings of the CSCHL and ACHA. Not many have been giving the Eagles respect around the country, perhaps a win like this will make a few think twice.

Just a little lighter note. I find it rather interesting how the Eagles have almost collapsed on the nights in which I haven't gone. Perhaps it's just coincidence, but I just figured I'd say the following just in case. You guys can win when I'm not there. :) After a game as well played by the Eagles as this, one can have a little lighter heart. Right? I still have a ton of respect for the Ohio Bobcats as well, and wish them well for the rest of the year. They are a solid team and are a team that shows class and produces very entertaining hockey games. They still are my favorite team to watch coming into the Cube. 

B+ 
Offensively the Eagles are still a little weak in my mind. A majority of this game was played in the Eagles own zone, and were forcing their defense to step up (which they did). The Eagles need to play a little more physical and get up on the plays a bit more. I understand when playing a more defensive style of play that the chances will be more limited. However, when the Eagles have a chance in the offensive zone, there should be more effective passing and opportunities to score than they had been getting. It seems to me if they could assert themselves a bit more in the offensive zone and continue to pass well, things will become more effective. Very opportunistic attack again and against Ohio, that's acceptable though.

A  
The defense did just about everything the way a defense should do things. They blocked passes, they were physical, knocking Ohio off the puck, and they were protecting the lanes of Sam Horton. The only gripe I currently have is that the defense needs to pay attention a bit more in the first minute of each period. Excellent work tonight, and if it would continue to improve, this will be a solid defensive team.

B 
A Solid job tonight, the Power Play was effective and opportunistic. The penalty kill was never out of position and didn't allow Ohio to do anything.

A  
Sam Horton and the defense played on their heads tonight, doing a wonderful job. A few of the saves by Horton were just outstanding. Keep it up!

A-  
By far the best game the Eagles have played this season. The defensive effort was there, the penalty kill was there and the goaltending was there. Now all we need is a bit more offensive pressure and a continued commitment to the defensive effort. Things are starting to look a bit more promising for the Eagles, as long as they keep improving.

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