Illinois (2-0-0, 6 pts.) couldn’t have scripted a better start to its season. The Illini took down the Michigan State Spartans (0-2-0, 0 pts.) in back-to-back games at the University of Illinois Ice Arena. Illinois claimed a 6-3 victory Friday night before closing the weekend with a 4-2 win Saturday.
Dominant attack sets tone early
The Illini trailed 2-1 after the first period Friday, but roared out of the first intermission with four unanswered goals.
Five different players found the back of the net in the win. Senior forward Gregory Etingen led the way with two goals, while junior forward Jacob Rozanski and graduate student forward Ross Jaldung each lit the lamp for the first time in their collegiate careers.
Sophomore forward Carson Mitchell, who led the team in goals last season, also chipped in before sophomore forward David Ras drilled an empty-netter to seal the season-opening victory.
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Matveev leads charge
Saturday, the veterans took charge. Graduate student forward Alexander Matveev, who returned this year after finishing second on the team in points last season, scored twice in the win.
“My experience lets me find the open spaces and predict where the puck will be before it gets there,” Matveev said.
Ras scored again, and senior forward John McLaughlin nailed his first of the year, sealing the sweep for the Illini. Graduate student goaltender Nolan Woodring played well, turning aside 35 of the Spartans’ 37 shots in the win.
Coach’s call
There was plenty of excitement surrounding Illinois’ returning offensive group — and it was certainly justified with the team’s 10-goal weekend.
The experience and depth this year’s squad brings could prove lethal for the Illini. Head coach John Opilka acknowledged the team’s strengths but also pointed out areas for growth.
“Michigan State is a hard team to play against that is well coached; they were a great first test for our group and revealed a lot of things we need to improve on,” Opilka said. “Both nights, they scored first. We need to be prepared from the drop of the puck and put a full sixty minutes together to be successful.”
Next up: Louisville
The Illini look to build on their momentum when they host the Louisville Cardinals (4-2-0, 11 pts.) this weekend.
