Lakers wrap up regular season
SAULT STE. MARIE - The nation's fourth-ranked offense picked up Saturday where it left off after Friday's 8-1 victory over Lake Superior State. The potent Miami RedHawks scored two goals during the first five minutes of Saturday's game, went on to win 4-1 and ended the regular season with a nine-game unbeaten streak.
After giving up the two early goals, Lake Superior State (10-15-9 overall, 8-12-8-5 Central Collegiate Hockey Association) played even with the 11th-ranked RedHawks (19-9-6 overall, 16-7-5-2 CCHA) during the remaining 55 minutes of play.
Reilly Smith and Curtis McKenzie scored even-strength goals to build a 2-0 Miami lead. Andy Miele, the national points leader with 19-42--61, made it 3-0 with a short-handed goal at 2:38 of the third period. LSSU answered at 10:13 with a power-play goal by Rick Schofield. Fellow seniors Matt Cowie and Tyson Hobbins drew the assists.
Miami's Matt Tomassoni tallied an empty-net goal at 19:42. Miele and Smith both had a goal and an assist for the night. RedHawks goaltender Connor Knapp totaled 26 saves, while Laker netminder Kevin Kapalka had 25.
Miami was 0-for-3 on the power play. LSSU finished 1-for-8.
Lake Superior State is expected to play host to Ohio State during the first round of the CCHA Playoffs, which begin Friday, March 4, at campus sites.
