Curtis McKenzie had gone five games without a point, and had not scored a goal since Feb. 13.
But the freshman forward scored one of Miami's goals and assisted on the other as the RedHawks edged Alabama-Huntsville, 2-1 in a regional semifinal in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Saturday.
McKenzie camped out in front of the UAH net during a Miami power play midway through the first period, and he buried a one-timer when junior center Carter Camper fed him a perfect pass from behind the Chargers' net.
On another man advantage early in the second period, McKenzie fed a pass to sophomore defenseman Cameron Schilling, who was streaking toward the net. Schilling tipped the puck on goal and the shot got through goaltender Cameron Talbot to make it 2-0.
That was all the offense Miami would need. The RedHawks held UAH to just 17 shots, and sophomore goaltender Cody Reichard stopped 16 of those to pick up the win.
The Chargers scored with 38 seconds left in regulation with an extra attacker on the ice when defenseman Brennan Parker fired a shot over Reichard's shoulder.
Miami finished with 38 shots on goal, and outshot UAH, 28-10 in the final 40 minutes.
All three goals in the game were scored on the power play. Miami was 2-for-9, and UAH was 1 of 5.
The RedHawks will play the winner of tonight's Michigan-Bemidji State game in a regional final at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
ANALYSIS: It would've been nice to see a more convincing win, but credit must go to Talbot, who stopped 36 shots, and the rest of the UAH team.
The Chargers did a good job of playing defensive hockey and containing Miami's skill.
I don't think the RedHawks winning by just one against a team they should've blown out is indicative of how they will play when they hit the ice tomorrow.
Miami did miss some scoring opportunities it should've converted, and there were times when the RedHawks tried to get too cute and passed when they should've shot.
Reichard starting in net was a shock. I would've bet money sophomore Connor Knapp would start after Reichard's struggles and Knapp's stellar play of late.
I was also surprised to see senior forward Brandon Smith and junior defenseman Vincent LoVerde not dressed. I have no idea why LoVerde wasn't in the lineup, but Miami's chances to win every game drop when he isn't on the ice.
Miami will need to play better to win tomorrow, but I have no doubt the RedHawks will get up for either team. Both beat Miami earlier this season.
GRADES
FORWARDS: C-. One goal on 28 shots, but Talbot made some key saves on Miami scoring chances.
Coach Enrico Blasi changed up some of the lines, and the communication was lacking at times.
Senior Jarod Palmer wasn't much of a factor, and he needs to get involved in the offense.
DEFENSEMEN: B+. Schilling scored and played well in his own end, and the No. 6 and No. 6a combination of freshman Steven Spinell and sophomore Matt Tomassoni were solid in the absence of LoVerde.
GOALTENDING: A-. Reichard stopped 16 of 17, and while he didn't face many tough shots, I graded leniently because he bounced back from back-to-back poor outings.
He controlled his rebounds and came out and played the puck well a few times.
I still think Knapp is the better option right now, and Blasi has done an exceptional job at baffling everyone regarding his starting goalie choice each game.
LINEUP CHANGES: That has been mostly covered above, but LoVerde's absence, which leaves Miami without a junior or senior on the blueline, cannot be understated.
Fortunately this RedHawks team is extremely deep, but LoVerde easily leads the team in blocked shots, and he's one of the best defensive defenseman on the team.
One other possible negative side effect of sitting Knapp while he's played as well as he has down the stretch: Knapp is a Buffalo draftee. Knapp is an excellent student, but if he feels slighted and the Sabres are unhappy with his playing situation, he could leave the team.
My guess is Knapp gets the start tomorrow, which of course means Reichard will be back in net.
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