OMAHA, Neb. - No. 8 Western Michigan scored five second period goals to take command of a 7-2 victory over (RV) Omaha Hockey Friday night at Baxter Arena.
Omaha, who was coming off a 2-0 win over No. 3 Minnesota Duluth, was up 1-0 before the Broncos scored three power-play goals in the first 14 minutes of the second period.
Western Michigan (8-5, 4-3), the defending national champions, started that period on a power play after Omaha was called for a major penalty late in the opening period.
The Broncos scored the tying and go-ahead goals in a span of 41 seconds. The lead grew to 4-1 with 6:10 left on Ty Henricks' second goal of the period.
Omaha then got a goal when Myles Hillman ripped a shot from the face-off circle. It was Hillman's third goal this season.
The Broncos tacked on their last two goals in the first seven minutes of the third period.
Simon Latkoczy finished with 36 saves for the Mavs.
Omaha (5-6, 3-4) led 1-0 at the first intermission as
Brett Hyland scored 2:25 into the game.
Hyland scored 17 seconds after Western Michigan was whistled for a penalty.
Marc Lajoie fired a pass across the crease to Hyland who finished the power-play goal.
This is the sixth straight series that Omaha has faced a nationally ranked opponent. The Mavs and Broncos play their series finale at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets are on sale now at OMavs.com/Tickets or by calling 402-554-MAVS.
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