Broncos drop pair of conference games at home to Minnesota-Duluth
By Sam O’Toole –
KALAMAZOO – The Western Michigan Broncos entered this weekend looking to extend their six-game unbeaten streak as the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs came to Kalamazoo for an NCHC matchup.
On Friday, the Broncos were unable to slow down the visiting Bulldogs and dropped the opening game of the series, 5-2.
The Bulldogs (12-9-3, 7-6-1-1 NCHC) completed the sweep of the No. 20 Broncos (12-10-4, 6-7-1-1 NCHC) on Saturday by scoring three straight goals en route to a 3-1 victory at Lawson Ice Arena.
Broncos Head Coach Andy Murray was more appreciative of his team’s effort on Saturday night, despite the tough loss to a hot Bulldogs team, who are 7-2-1 in their past 10 games.
“I thought we had a group that battled and competed hard,” Murray said. “It was unfortunate that we didn’t score on some of the opportunities that we had. Nine shots on that one power play, and we couldn’t find the net. There are things that we have to continue to work on, but I liked the compete in our team, and I liked our composure.”
The Broncos, who rank 51st nationally on the power play, finished the game 0-6 with 11 shots with the man advantage.
The Bulldogs leaned on goaltender Aaron Crandall, who stifled the Broncos’ offense all game Saturday, stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced.
The Bulldogs received goals from Joe Basaraba, Alex Iafallo and Austyn Young, whose goal was the first in his collegiate career at Minnesota-Duluth. Iafallo tallied his team-leading 10th goal of the season for the Bulldogs.
Frank Slubowski got the start in net for the Broncos on Saturday and provided solid play throughout the game, totaling 32 saves. Colton Hargrove scored the lone goal for the Broncos in the first period.
After the Hargrove goal just 4:29 into the game for the Broncos, the Bulldogs took advantage of Bronco mistakes and rallied to score three straight goals.
The Bulldogs would tie the game with 4:33 remaining in the first period when Basaraba jammed home the second rebound off of Slubowski.
The penalty-filled second period produced two even-strength goals from Minnesota-Duluth as Iafello and Young both recorded goals for the Bulldogs just over six minutes apart to pull away from the Broncos.
Junior forward Will Kessel described the overall mood in the Broncos after the team unbeaten streak was snapped this weekend.
“Our team was riding high, and we were confident coming into this weekend,” Kessel said. “Obviously two losses is not what we were aiming for at all. Our team is down right now but Monday, we are going to come back and regroup and be ready for next weekend.”
When asked about a potential rivalry budding, Murray said his team has a “great rivalry” with Minnesota-Duluth as well as other teams.
“I just assume we have a rivalry with every team,” Murray said. “I think our fans are being treated with outstanding hockey and unfortunately this weekend, most of that was on the Duluth side.”
As usual, Murray did have positives too take away from the weekend despite dropping a pair of home games.
“We are taking steps here every single day,” Murray said. We were picked to be eighth in the league and have surprised a few so far. We want to continue surprising people, so we will continue to play hard.”
The Broncos will travel to Miami (OH) to take on the Redhawks in another NCHC conference matchup. Just three weeks ago, the Broncos swept the Redhawks at home, and Murray, after the hard-fought games this weekend, knows the same test the awaits his team next weekend.
“It is a great rivalry with Duluth, and I like to think that when we go into Miami too,” Murray said. “I know they won’t be too happy because of what happened last time either, so that will be a real battle.”