At first glance, the Illini (14-9-3, 31 pts.) appear to end the season with one of the toughest stretches of the year. Illinois takes on three repeat opponents — Northern Illinois (10-16-3, 23 pts.), No. 16 Purdue Northwest (11-7-4, 26 pts.) and Illinois State (12-14-4, 28 pts.) — a trio Illinois holds a miserable 1-5 record against this season.
There is reason for hope, however, that the surging Illini can perform much better this time around.
Goaltending troubles hounding Huskies
The Illini were completely shut down by Huskies junior goaltender Matthew Jurgens in their November series. Jurgens, who began the year on Northern Illinois’ Division III team, stopped 89 of Illinois’ 90 shots in what appeared to be his breakout performance.
Hindsight shows that Jurgens may have just been lucky. He allowed 12 goals to Iowa State (6-18-3, 15 pts.), the weakest offense in the division by goals per game, in the next series. The goalie allowed four or more goals in six of eight starts since the Illinois series.
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The Illini don’t have a premier offense, ranking third-to-last in goals scored in the division. But they should have a good chance against the Huskies if Jurgens is in the net.
Momentous series looming against Pride
The Pride had their way with the Illini in October and won both games by two goals. No matter what they have going for them, this will be a tough test for the Illini. So far, they are 0-6 against ranked opponents.
The Pride best the Illini in several categories, including goal differential, goals per game and goals allowed per game. However, the Illini hold an advantage in one key category: momentum.
Illinois is 7-2-1 over its past 10 games, while Purdue Northwest is 5-3-2. If the Illini can keep their hot streak up, they might have a better chance in the home-and-home series.
The Illini aren’t just playing better in terms of record; they are beginning to score more goals. They have scored four or more goals in three of their last six games. They had not achieved that feat in the six games prior.
This scoring revolution has been led chiefly by underclassmen, especially freshman forward David Ras. The first year has scored six goals in his last six games.
Rival Redbirds fly south to finish season
The Illini match up with the Redbirds quite well, which was apparent in their early December meetings. The in-state rivals split the series, only the second split for the Illini this season, with each team winning a game by one goal.
Illinois State brings with it a high-powered offense, currently ranked third in the division in goals (118). This offensive is hampered by goaltending, which has conceded an identical 118 goals. If the Illini can find a way to shut the Redbirds down on offense, they should have a much better chance in this series.
Fortunately, Illinois has one of the best goaltenders in the division: senior Nolan Woodring. Woodring, senior Joseph Schmid and freshman Grady Sulkin have combined to allow just 68 goals this season, the lowest total in the division. Illinois has a tough road ahead, no doubt, but it may not be as rocky as it first appears.
The Illini face their first test this weekend when they welcome Northern Illinois to the University Ice Arena. The puck drop is set for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
