OxfordPress.com

OXFORD — It's true that Miami University's Ryan Jones and Justin Mercier, the top goal-scoring duo in college hockey, each spearheads a RedHawk line that packs a punch.

But as the Ohio State Buckeyes found out Friday night, Feb. 29, the relatively new line of Nathan Davis, Andy Miele and Jarod Palmer isn't too shabby, either.

It's a line that knocked the Buckeyes dizzy with three goals in a span of just 9:31 in the first period as fifth-ranked Miami held off Ohio State 4-3 in the RedHawks' regular-season finale on Senior Night at Steve Cady Arena.

"I think it's just the right chemistry," said Davis, noting that he, Miele and Palmer have played on the same line only four times now. "We three are a good mix. Practice by practice, we've gotten comfortable with each other."

The victory gave Miami a four-game winning streak heading into postseason play and a 29-6-1 record overall, 21-6-1 in the Central Collegiate Hockey League.

It also completed a five-game regular-season sweep for the RedHawks over the Buckeyes and, for the first time in the 29-year history of the series, gave Miami the overall lead in games won at 56-55-10.

"I knew we'd come out with a lot of emotion," Miami coach Enrico Blasi said. "It was an emotional night. Whether we would execute or not, I had my doubts. Sometimes you can be too emotional."

The Miami onslaught began 2:21 into the first period on a goal by Palmer. Miele followed with another goal at 5:37 and Davis made it 3-0 at 11:52.

Ohio State (11-23-4, 7-18-3 CCHA) got on the board late in the second period on a goal by Kyle Reed. Miami's Brian Kaufman answered with a goal at 2:45 of the third period.

The Buckeyes made it close with Reed's second goal at 8:02 and a tip-in by Corey Toy at 13:51.

OSU came within inches of tying the score when a shot by Tom Fritsche with 1:45 left in the contest clanked off the Miami post.

RedHawks senior goaltender Charlie Effinger had to scramble to make saves with 48 and 28 seconds remaining as the Buckeyes, pulling their goalie, threw a 6-to-4 man advantage at the RedHawks, who had Alec Martinez in the penalty box.

Effinger finished with 26 saves to boost his record to 6-0.

Davis and Miele each added two assists for the RedHawks and Raymond Eichenlaub and Ryan Jones had one apiece.

Miele and Davis have combined to play in only 28 games this season but have totaled 28 points.

Miami's win did not prevent top-ranked Michigan from clinching the CCHA regular-season title. The Wolverines defeated Ferris State 5-3, forcing the RedHawks to settle for second place.

Miami's next game will be Friday, March 14, when the RedHawks begin a best-of-three series in the second round of the CCHA playoffs at Steve Cady Arena against an opponent to be determined.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.