BUFFALO — Sophomores Dylan McLaughlin and Matt McLeod each tallied a goal and an assist to guide Canisius to a 4-1 victory over rival Niagara in Atlantic Hockey Conference action Tuesday at KeyBank Rink in HARBORCENTER.
In the first of four regular season meetings between the two programs, the Griffs (11-10-5, 10-4-4 AHC) took a 2-0 lead in the opening 12 minutes of the contest and never looked back as it extended its season-best unbeaten streak to five games. The win also propelled Canisius into a tie for first place in the Atlantic Hockey Conference standings with Air Force.
Freshman Casey Jerry put the Griffs up 1-0 just 2:30 into the contest as he stuffed a rebound past Purple Eagles keeper Jackson Teichroeb for his fourth goal of the season.
Junior Ryan Schmelzer doubled the Canisius advantage to 2-0 at the 12-minute mark of the opening frame, putting home a loose puck created on a rush by McLaughlin for his eighth goal of the campaign.
McLeod expanded the Griffs cushion to 3-0 in the final two minutes of the second period when he one-timed a feed from junior David Bennett between the legs of Teichroeb from the middle of the slot for his first collegiate tally.
McLaughlin notched the Griffs second power play goal of the contest at the 4:26 mark of the third period, beating Teichroeb with a wrist shot over the right shoulder to give Canisius a 4-0 edge.
Nicolas Carrier spoiled the Griffs’ shutout bid just 70 seconds later, recording a power play tally to make it a 4-1 contest.
Senior Charles Williams got the start in goal for Canisius and made 35 saves. Teichroeb made 31 stops between the pipes for the Purple Eagles (3-19-3, 3-14-2 AHC).
Canisius takes to the road this weekend for a two-game series at Atlantic Hockey foe American International Friday and Saturday. Faceoff for both contests is set for 2:05 p.m. at the MassMutual Center.
from GoGriffs.com via IFTTT
