On the final weekend of the regular season, Illinois (22-7-4, 67 points) looked like a team fully in sync. Behind multi-point performances from sophomore forward Carson Mitchell and junior forward David Etingen, the Illini secured back-to-back wins over the Cincinnati Bearcats (20-7-3, 63 points) to cap off a well-deserved and impressive season.
Slow start, strong finish on Friday
Friday’s game didn’t start Illinois’ way, but it ended Illinois’ way. Cincinnati came out hot, getting a goal from freshman forward CJ Davidson in the final minute of the first, then striking again just one minute into the second as fellow freshman Connor Lemmerbrock made it 2-0.
Graduate student forward Alexander Mateev capitalized on the power play midway through the second to cut the deficit to 2-1 and to shift the momentum. From there, it was all Illinois in the third. Senior forward John McLaughlin and Etingen scored early in the period to flip the game and give the Illini a 3-2 lead. Sophomore forward David Ras sealed it with an empty-net goal late, securing the 4-2 win.
Senior Night control on Saturday
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
Saturday’s Senior Night came much easier for the Illini. Freshman defenseman Adrian Wisniewski opened the scoring midway through the first on the power play. Senior forward Gregory Etingen quickly extended the lead in the second with his 12th of the year.
Cincinnati cut it to 2-1 a couple of minutes later, but Illinois answered to make it 3-1 on a goal off the stick of leading goal scorer Mitchell. Mateev then netted his second of the weekend in the third to push the lead to 4-1.
Cincinnati made a late push with two power-play goals, but it was too little too late. David Etingen closed the deal at the end to secure the 5-3 victory.
From progress to proof
Head coach John Opilka closed out his third season at the helm of Illinois hockey, finishing with by far his best year yet. The Illini wrapped up the season at 22-7-4 with 67 points. The Illini have improved their record in each of their three years under Opilka, going from 12 to 18 to 22 wins this season.
Gregory Etingen led the team in points with 46, tallying 12 goals and 34 assists. His brother, David, finished third on the team with 35 points. Mitchell continued his impressive start to his college career, leading the team in goals with 20.
Illinois was strong in net all season, splitting time mostly between the veteran Woodring and sophomore goaltender Grady Sulkin. The two split time in net, finishing with 12 and 10 wins, respectively. They posted commanding goals-against averages of 2.65 and 2.87. Their consistent play in goal helped Illinois close out games and turn strong defensive efforts into wins.
From September to Senior Night, Illinois continued to take steps forward. The record shows it and the numbers supported it; this program is trending in the right direction under Opilka.
