North Dakota prepares for the first round of the NCHC playoffs vs. Miami

GRAND FORKS – For the fifth time this season, UND will play the Miami University RedHawks.

The RedHawks will travel to Grand Forks for the first round of the NCHC playoffs. The Fighting Hawks want to return to the win column following a disappointing weekend where they were swept for the first time in program history by the University of Nebraksa-Omaha. 

“That was a very desperate team that played relentless in everything they did,” UND head coach Brad Berry said. 

Although North Dakota outshot the Mavericks both nights, they still fell short on the score sheet, losing 3-2 Friday and 4-1 Saturday.

But for North Dakota, those games are now in the rearview mirror. Playoff hockey is starting, which means it's a new season and a different type of game.

“It's an exciting time of year,” Berry said. “I know our guys are excited to get moving forward here, and again, it's a situation where our group is engaged and ready to go.”

Miami has struggled this year in conference play, winning only one game against Western Michigan in early January. However, now that the NCHC tournament seeding has been set, records mean nothing. Miami doesn’t have a chance at making the NCAA tournament as an at-large bid, meaning this weekend's series for the RedHawks is do or die. 

But that does not mean North Dakota won’t take them seriously.

“Every goal, every shift, every battle matters,” UND fifth-year defenseman Keaton Pehrson said. 

Pehrson transferred to North Dakota after playing four years at the University of Michigan. He is one of the few defensemen with experience playing in conference and NCAA tournaments.

“He’s very consistent in his play,” Berry said. “His demeanor—you know, he never gets too high or too low—he’s just kind of even-keel in his approach, which gives you a calming effect on your defenseman.”

While Pehrson hasn't been very active offensively this season, he has stood out defensively. He frequently blocks shots, interrupts passes, and pushes opponents out of the front of the net. His leadership on and off the ice has played a massive role in UND’s success thus far.

“When things get a little hairy, where (players) are scrambling around a bit, he settles it down. He makes the right play and settles the game down. I think you can't put a price tag on the experience he brings, his demeanor, and the way he conducts himself in front of our group,” Berry said.

Heading into this weekend, the Hawks will need their top forwards and defensemen to be at their best.

In February, UND swept Miami in Oxford, winning in overtime 5-4 Friday and 4-1 Saturday. 

But the Miami team UND played over a month ago looks much different now. The RedHawks' leading scorer, Matthew Barbolini, who has 25 points this season, did not play in that series. Also inactive was junior forward Raimonds Vitolins, who plays on a line with Barbolini, and Miami’s primary starting goaltender, Logan Neaton.

“Obviously, they’re very good players,” Berry said. “You know they add to their group offensively and experience-wise.”

Berry discussed how UND will need to stick to their game plan and continue to do what has worked for it to generate success in the past.

“I think for us, it's not changing how we've had success during the season: how we have to play to our identity and make sure that we take care of that side of it. We have to respect those players when they’re on the ice, but you know, for us, it's collectively as a group that gives us a chance for success and playing to our identity."

When UND scores first, their record is 20-5-1; last weekend, the Hawks failed to do so in both games versus the Mavericks. Getting out fast and getting an early lead will be crucial for UND in this weekend's series.

“At the NHL level, college level, and junior level, whatever it is, you know, when you come out and get a lead in a game, usually that team goes on to win that game,” Berry said. “You have a great opportunity to get that first goal when you’re winning puck battles, and everybody’s engaged in the game, and you don’t sit back. Every inch of the ice is tough, you know. You’re seeing that down the stretch on scoring; things are tightening up offensively. It's a situation where you have to be ready, and you have to be engaged. You have to win those puck races and puck battles.”

Puck drop is slated for 7:07 PM CT on Friday and 6:07 on Saturday. If Miami and North Dakota split, a third game will be held on Sunday at 6:07 PM to decide who moves on to the Frozen Faceoff semi-final in St. Paul.