KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Freshman defenseman Joona Vaisanen tallied two goals, including the game winner, to help Western Michigan secure a 5-4 overtime victory over No. 20 Omaha on Friday night at Lawson Arena.
Along with Vaisanen, Iiro Hakkarainen, Alex Bump and Cam Knuble were able to light the lamp in the game. The win pushed WMU’s record to 21-5-1 overall and 14-2-1 in NCHC play.
FIRST PERIOD
The Broncos tallied the first three shots of the game, but Omaha was able to get on the board first. The Mavericks scored on their first shot of the game to go in front 1-0 about six minutes into the contest.
As the game progressed, WMU got good looks from Bump and Grant Slukynsky. Both shots would be saved by Omaha netminder Simon Latkoczy. Down the stretch of the period, Liam Valente and Zach Nehring would get two more shots on Latkoczy. However, Omaha would carry a one-goal lead into the second 20 minutes.
SECOND PERIOD
Western Michigan came out on the attack, getting a few strong chances in the opening minutes of the second frame. The Broncos were eventually rewarded for their hard work, as Hakkarianen buried a shot into the back of the net to tie the game about six minutes into the period.
Following the tally, WMU went on the penalty kill. Cameron Rowe made one save and Cole Crusberg-Roseen blocked another shot to help the Brown and Gold get back to full strength. After that penalty kill, Omaha was sent off for holding.
On the power play, Western Michigan would get four shots. However, the Mavericks would work back to even strength. About a minute after that power play expired, the Broncos were able to strike again, as Vaisanen made a great move in the offensive zone before firing the puck by Latkoczy. That pushed WMU in front 2-1 with under eight minutes to play in the period.
Both teams killed off penalties down the stretch of the period, and Western Michigan took a one-goal lead into the third period.
THIRD PERIOD
Omaha quickly tied the game, getting the score to 2-2 on the first shift of the third frame. However, the Mavericks would get sent off for interference not too long after that tally.
On the man advantage, Vaisanen found Bump in the circle, and he ripped a shot by Latkoczy to restore the Broncos’ lead early in the third period. A little bit later, Knuble would put the Broncos up 4-2 with his fourth goal of the season.
As the game moved to the back half of the third frame, WMU would get sent off for kneeing. Omaha would strike on the power play to bring the score back within one. The Mavericks would then go back on the power play with just over two minutes to play.
Omaha pulled its goalie to get a 6-on-4 advantage, and the Mavericks would go on to tie the game 4-4 with 1:41 to play in regulation. The two teams would head to overtime.
OVERTIME
Western Michigan controlled much of overtime, getting the only two shots of the extra session. After Vaisanen got his initial shot blocked, he collected the puck and fired a shot towards the net that went over the shoulder of Latkoczy for the game-winning goal. WMU’s goal came 1:04 into the overtime period.
UP NEXT
Western Michigan will look to sweep Omaha tomorrow night at Lawson Arena. Puck drop for the series finale is set for 6 PM EST.
