OXFORD, Ohio - Sophomore Connor Knapp had posted a shutout in his last start, which was at Ohio State.
So the RedHawks went with Knapp in the rubber game of their CCHA quarterfinals series vs. the Buckeyes at Cady Arena, and the change reaped dividends.
Miami edged Ohio State, 2-1 on Sunday, winning the series by the same margin. The RedHawks had gone with fellow sophomore Cody Reichard during the NCAA Tournament in 2008-09, and most figured Reichard would remain in net for the 2009-10 postseason.
But Reichard allowed five goals in Saturday's game, and Knapp did not disappoint on Sunday. He stopped 21 shots, including 20 in the final 40 minutes.
The game was scoreless through one period, but sophomore defenseman Cameron Schilling buried a one-timer from just inside the blue line to make it 1-0 midway through the second period.
Halfway through the final stanza, sophomore forward Alden Hirschfeld extended Miami's lead to two goals with his wrister.
C.J. Severyn cut the Miami lead in half with his goal four minutes later, but Miami held off the ensuing Buckeyes attack.
Miami advances to the CCHA quarterfinals, and will play Michigan at Joe Louis Arena on Friday.
ANALYSIS: Both teams played well, and it was an entertaining rubber game to watch.
I kept thinking about how Northern Michigan had won two straight here after Miami had pulled out the opener in this round last season, but Miami played better in this game than in last season's quarterfinal series finale.
By playing well, Knapp has created a difficult decision for coach Enrico Blasi.
Knapp has allowed just one goal in his last 125 minutes, and Reichard struggled on Saturday.
GRADES
FORWARDS: C-. One goal, two assists and 16 shots. Not one of the RedHawks' best efforts.
Junior center Pat Cannone played one of his best games of the season, and sophomore Trent Vogelbuber was also outstanding.
Sophomore Alden Hirschfeld played one of his best games of the season.
DEFENSEMEN: A-. Ohio State managed just 22 shots, and the OSU goal was on an outstanding set-up.
Sophomore Cameron Schilling scored the first goal, and junior Vincent LoVerde set it up.
GOALTENDING: A. Not the easiest shoes to fill, but Knapp was 21-for-22, enabling Miami to win without depending on ample offense.
Knapp made one great save in the third period, and the goal he allowed was a result of great passing by the Buckeyes. He had no chance to stop that shot.
LINEUP CHANGES: All 12 forwards ftom last night started again.
On defense, sophomore Matt Tomassoni played after freshman Steven Spinell took a major penalty in Game 2.
Knapp's strong outing made coach Enrico Blasi's job even tougher entering the conference semifinals.
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