The Ohio hockey team practiced what coach Dan Morris has been preaching all year to pick up a couple of wins during an East Coast road trip this weekend.
Defense can win hockey games.
The Bobcats shut down Delaware in both games, taking 5-1 and 3-0 victories, respectively.
Friday night was very disciplined
Morris said. In the second and third period (Delaware) only had five shots. That's the way to play when you're up 3-0.
Delaware struggled to find the net, and Ohio's defense helped goaltender Brian Gallagher get his fifth shutout of the season.
Morris said the team has worked throughout the season to limit the opponent's shots to fewer than 20 a game. In both games this weekend, the Bobcats accomplished their team goal, allowing 15 and 20 shots in Friday and Saturday night's games, respectively.
The Ohio offense, meanwhile, peppered Delaware with 79 shots in the two contests. Nick Bassarab led the Bobcats with six points off two goals and four assists. Bassarab has a team-high 28 points this season.
Daniel Richardson had three assists and one important goal - his first of the season - to open up the scoring on Saturday night on a power play. The three assists give Richardson 11 for the season.
Richardson's goal was the first of three power play goals scored on Saturday. The Bobcats held Delaware to 0-for-16 shooting on the power play.
Morris said he was glad his team responded well to the East Coast style of play, which focuses more on finesse and stick work.
The Midwest style of hockey is more hard hitting Morris said. We had a lot of penalties that were just hard hits that may not have been called in Bird.
The truth in the difference of style is in the penalty recap. Delaware's eight penalties during Saturday night's game were all stick related.
Ohio hockey will be back in action against Kent State at 7:30 Friday and Saturday nights at Bird Arena.
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