Ohio’s offensive frustrations skated to a halt in Saturday night’s game against UNLV.
After posting 44 shots on goal with only three goals to show in Friday’s win, Ohio had four fewer shots on goal and won Saturday’s game 7-1.
The offensive firepower got started just 34 seconds into the game when sophomore forward Tyler Harkins scored what would be his first of three goals. Harkins had a standout weekend for the Bobcats, finishing with four goals and an assist.
“It’s exciting,” Harkins said. “Playing with these guys, kind of helped bring it to the table, and it’s nice because I went a few games without scoring.”
Two of Harkins’ three goals came off of assists from Bryan Lubin. Lubin, who in Friday’s game missed a few opportunities on breakaways, also scored in Saturday’s contest off an assist from Harkins.
With a 6-1 lead, Harkins found the net once again, cementing the Bobcats' victory — and his hat trick.
“It was a really good weekend from us,” coach Sean Hogan said. “I thought we got back on track, and we beat a really good team, who’s beaten a lot of really good teams.”
Before they came into Bird Arena, the Rebels had a 5-1 record, having swept Arizona State and Utah and split with Colorado. In its first six games, UNLV outscored its opponents 27-14.
Against the Bobcats, the Rebels were outscored 10-2.
“They’re literally all offense,” defenseman Jake Faiella said. “They’re fast, their forwards are really shifty and for us to keep them to one goal each game, that’s great for us.”
Through eight games, Ohio has outscored its opponents 38-14.
Despite such offensive success on Saturday, all seven of Ohio’s goals were scored at even strength, as its power play unit went 0-8 on the night.
“We’re getting a lot of possessions, but not a lot of shots on goal,” Hogan said.
Earlier in the week the Bobcats had tested a new power play, one that would play to the strength of their team — speed.
The team, however, only had three days to truly work on it after a gas leak at the adjacent Aquatic Center forced the closure of Bird Arena during practice.
All they can do is “keep working on it,” Hogan said.
With its offensive woes seemingly gone, No. 5 Ohio (6-2-0) can breathe easily for now. Coming up on the schedule for the Bobcats are nationally ranked opponents Stony Brook (No.8), Liberty (No. 13) and Davenport (No. 14).
