Sweep of EIU runs win streak to seven; Auburn up next

The Razorbacks met the Eastern Illinois Panthers for the first time in the two programs’ histories last weekend.  On Friday, January 24, the game began as competitive.  The Hogs staked an early 2-0 lead behind a pair of goals from sophomore forward, Mason Brower.  But EIU responded with a goal from freshman Sam Turk.

The second period began with a third Razorback goal, this one from sophomore forward Ryan Machos, but EIU again answered to cut the Arkansas lead to 3-2.  That was as close as EIU would get all weekend.  The Hogs scored two more second period goals and added four more in the third period.  EIU managed just one additional goal and Arkansas cruised to a 9-3 win behind sixty-one shots and four goals from senior captain Martin Sundstedt.  Kevin Scheer earned the win in net for the Hogs.

Saturday’s rematch was an even less competitive affair.  Arkansas started fast in the first period, scoring five times on eighteen shots.  The Hogs added three more in the second period and six goals in the final frame.  EIU managed just one goal and the Razorbacks earned a 14-1 win—the team’s most lopsided victory of the season.  Spencer Mulgrew earned the victory in net.

This weekend, the Hogs welcome the Auburn Tigers to town for the final regular season home games of the 2013-14 season.  The puck drops at 8:30 pm on Friday and 4:00 pm on Saturday (information about tickets can be found here).  Saturday night is senior night and the team will honor graduating seniors Justin McDowell, Martin Sundstedt, Easton Oliver, Michael Kress, Tyler Bynum, and Johnny Stromp.  With a weekend sweep of the Tigers, the Hogs would earn their fifth consecutive SEC-West regular season conference title.