The distance between the young Chargers and experienced Mavericks was reaffirmed Friday night, as third-ranked Minnesota State handily defeated UAH again 5-0.
UAH’s winless streak against Minnesota State stands at 36 games (0-32-4) dating back to 2002, and barring a meeting in the WCHA playoffs, this could be the last game between UAH and Minnesota State for a while. MSU joins the CCHA next season, while UAH is still looking for a conference home.
UAH supporters can hope that one day, when the program regains solid footing, the Chargers will match up with the Mavericks again and finally put the streak to rest.
But for now, tough lessons were learned against the undisputed best team in the WCHA, although like in Thursday’s 4-1 loss the Chargers (2-9-1 overall, 2-4-0 WCHA) it would not easily go away in the first period.
The Mavericks (13-2-1, 10-0-0) scored first right after a power play expired. Dallas Gerads put in a rebound from the slot with 7:05 left, the only tally of the frame.
Minnesota State, also akin to Thursday’s game, put the game away in the second period with four goals, including two on the power play.
With 15:34 remaining in the third period, UAH finally got its first power play of the series. The Chargers failed to convert, while MSU finished 4-for-10 with the advantage in the two games.
Minnesota State goaltender Dryden McKay earned his eighth shutout in 14 starts this season, stopping all 16 UAH shots.
Derek Krall made his fourth start of the season for UAH, making 31 saves. David Fessenden, who left early in the third period of Thursday’s game, was scratched.
UAH next faces a busy week with four games in five days in Michigan. The Chargers play at Northern Michigan to make up a postponed series on Tuesday and Wednesday before heading to Lake Superior State on Friday and Saturday.
The Chargers have one home game remaining, against Bowling Green on February 28.