Illinois (5-3-1, 16 pts.) dropped both games of its weekend road series against Illinois State (6-3-1, 17 pts.), falling 4-2 on Friday and 3-1 on Saturday. Redbird sophomore forward Jacob Swiatek stole the spotlight, recording a hat trick and an assist on Friday before adding a goal and an assist on Saturday.
For Illinois, the weekend marked a slow spot in its season, as it extended its current three-game losing streak.
Friday’s game slips away late
Friday’s matchup saw Illinois State jump out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to freshman forward Giovanni Barghini’s first-period goal. Illinois responded in the second period when sophomore forward Carson Mitchell converted on the power play, tying the game at 1-1.
The third period turned in Illinois State’s favor as Swiatek scored twice on the power play and added an empty-net goal to seal the 4-2 victory. Senior forward Gregory Etingen scored for the Illini late in the third, but it was too little, too late to overcome the Redbirds’ offensive onslaught.
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Similar script Saturday
Saturday’s rematch followed a similar script. Illinois State struck first when freshman forward Lucca Weinkauf put the Redbirds on the board early in the first period on a power-play goal. Swiatek added a second-period power-play tally, with senior forward Pavel Bakhtin scoring an insurance goal in the third.
Illinois’ lone score came from Etingen again, who scored on a power play late in the third period.
Offense stalls
Despite outshooting Illinois State in both games, Illinois couldn’t find enough offense to pull out a win.
“Too often our chances are one and done,” said head coach John Opilka. “After the initial shot, we need to win net front battles and work to generate second and third chance opportunities.”
Sophomore goaltender Grady Sulkin made 30 saves on 33 shots for Illinois in Friday’s loss. Redbird senior goaltender Cole Walter turned aside 39 of 41 for Illinois State. On Saturday, Sulkin stopped 32 of 35, but Redbirds freshman goaltender Dylan Posch was better, with 40 saves on 41 shots.
Special teams proved to be a difference-maker throughout the series, as Illinois converted on just one of four power plays Friday and one of six on Saturday. Illinois State capitalized on two of six and three of eight, respectively.
After the series, Opilka emphasized the team’s need for steadier play during tough stretches.
“We need more consistency in our play,” Opilka said. “At times we control play and pour it on, and others we are on our heels and out of sorts. Our lapses in effort and discipline are costing us when it matters.”
On to next week
Illinois looks to snap its three-game skid as it continues its road trip next weekend against Davenport (4-5-1, 12 pts.).
