Matthew Zazon and the Ohio defense did everything they could to stop the high-powered Indiana offense this weekend. The Bobcats opened their series with a strong defensive performance on Friday night but fell short as they struggled offensively. Stopping the Hoosier offense is a tall task. The Hoosiers have averaged over five points a game this season but were held to just five points all weekend against Ohio.
Friday night, Ohio kept Indiana to just one goal until early in the third period. Saturday night, they played even better.
The Hoosiers did not score in the first period as Zazon made save after save for the Bobcats. Indiana’s Stevie Wheatley would score early in the second off an assist from Patrick Brandeburg. Brandeburg scored a goal in the third period, but that would be it for the Hoosiers.
“It's not only me, it's our team,” Zazon said. “When our defencemen sync up with our forwards, nobody can beat us.”
The third period would test the Ohio defensemen as they spent eight minutes defending against the Indiana power play. The one goal that the Bobcats did allow in the third period was while they were down a man with 10:36 remaining. This wasn’t much of a concern for Coach Zach Hill.
“No worries there, we have a good PK,” Hill said. “I wish we didn't have as many penalties but overall I'm pretty confident about my PK group.”
Ohio’s strong defensive play with the offense’s aggressive play led to a 4-2 win. Zazon credits his weekend’s success to his defencemen’s “simple” play.
“When we play simple, no one can beat us,” Zazon said. “If we don’t play simple, we just beat ourselves.”
The Bobcats made a statement win Saturday night. If they can continue with this type of play, they can take on any team they will face.
“We knew that Indiana was a good team, but we knew we could be better,” Hill said. “Tonight we proved that we are the better team.”
