First Period:

No Scoring.

Second Period:

WMU: Hartner(Unassisted) SH [1-0 WMU] 1:58

Third Period:

WMU: Podelnyk(Unassisted) SH [2-0 WMU] 13:47
WMU: Krause(Unassisted) Empty Net [3-0 WMU] 18:55

Ann Arbor, Michigan-  Traditionally in a home-and-home series between two teams, the home team wins at least one of the two games in the series. Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan apparently didn't get the memo. The Eastern Michigan Eagles hockey team was defeated today by the Western Michigan Stallions by the score of 3-0 at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. The Eagles however did win the contest Friday Night in Kalamazoo by the score of 8-5 to manage a split overall in the weekend series.

The first period of tonight's game consisted of the Stallions coming out strong and really controlling the play early on. EMU however did manage to get themselves into the game as well as the play then ultimately ended up evening out for most of the period. Overall though it seemed as if Western Michigan had the better opportunities. Both goaltenders, Erik Schardt for EMU and Garrett LaPak for WMU made some nice saves as well to keep the game scoreless. Overall, it was a physical, defensive hockey period. However, the tone was set for the game to be a special teams oriented affair as the penalties began to fly early in the first period and continued to fall throughout the remainder of the game. The score did stay scoreless after the first period.

The second period of tonight's game overall served as the turning point for the entire contest in my mind. The Eagles had three straight power play opportunities to start the period and were unable to capitalize on any of them. However, Western was able to capitalize on the EMU Power Play instead. As Eastern was setting up their offense on the power play, the Eagles telegraphed a pass along the blue line which was intercepted by Aaron Hartner who broke away from the EMU power play and managed to put the puck past Schardt to give the Stallions an early 1-0 lead. This 1-0 lead would follow the Stallions into the locker room. Western Michigan also had numerous opportunities on the power play in the second period but both goaltenders stood strong.

The third period of the game continued the theme from the first two. Penalties and hard hitting, defensive hockey. Eastern Michigan went on the Power Play at the seven minute mark and then again, the Eagles were unable to capitalize on this opportunity, but instead Western Michigan was able to. This time on a turnover in the offensive zone led to another breakaway from the Stallions and a goal from Michael Podelnyk, to give the Stallions a 2-0 lead with only 6 minutes left. The Eagles then scrambled to put pressure on the WMU goaltender but it wasn't to be on this night. The Eagles last gasp move of pulling the goalie backfired almost immediately with Western Michigan shooting the puck the length of the ice with 1:05 left to conclude the scoring at 3-0, and leaving the Ann Arbor Ice Cube with a critical split in the series.

It was a strange game in a lot of aspects. Neither team was able to use the power play's to their advantage as both teams played excellent defensive hockey. Western Michigan on the night never seemed to turn the puck over in an inopportune position and were able to continuously push the envelope throughout the entire game. Eastern Michigan had very few good opportunities, despite the fact that they managed to equal the shot count of the Stallions. This figure was very misleading. The Stallions controlled the play, played quicker, played stronger and overall played a very good hockey game against the Eagles. They deserve a lot of credit for the effort they put out on the ice, in particular their goaltender Garrett LaPak who really controlled the game from the net for WMU. Simply put one of the better goaltending efforts I've seen in a while. Western looked like a much better hockey team on this night.

So that's what I do understand. However, I do not understand how the Eagles can go from scoring 8 goals on one night and then have absolutely no attack whatsoever and have no real quality opportunities against Western. The Eagles throughout the game were attacking 1 on 3, or forced to dump the puck in which led to absolutely no pressure on Western Michigan. On the flip side though, I did notice that the Eagles defense was doing an excellent job in swarming to the net in aid of their goaltender Erik Schardt. 

The Eagles best player on the ice was the fore mentioned Erik Schardt.  Of the three goals that he is accounted for giving up, NONE of them were really his fault. He kept the Eagles in the game and gave the Eagles a great opportunity to win this game, but they failed to show anything offensively. Throw in the fact that the Power Play turned into the biggest detriment for the Eagles yet again and this game was really disappointing.

So bottom line, did the Eagles play a horrendous game? No. Did Western Michigan play a very good game? Yes. Does this count as a good first impression for this season? Absolutely not.

Looking Ahead:
This weekend's home and home series began a stretch of six weeks where the Eagles will be playing at home at least once during the weekend. This upcoming Thursday Night the Eagles will be traveling to Adrian, Michigan to play ACHA Newcomers Adrian College at the Arrington Ice Arena. Friday Night, the Eagles will be playing the same Adrian College at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube with a 7:00 PM opening face off. October 26th and October 27th, the Eagles will play a home-and-home vs defending ACHA National Champions Oakland University.

Go Green!
-Kevin