GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Coming off their first loss of the season in their final game of the ACHA D1 Hockey Showcase, the Panthers hope to get back on the winning track when they travel to Chicago, Ill. to take on No. 8 Robert Morris (Ill.). Davenport went 2-1 in the showcase last weekend and comes in with an overall record of 4-1.

No. 13 Davenport is coming off their first loss of the season, a 5-1 decision in favor of Illinois. In that game Illinois put the Panthers behind early but Davenport kept the game close until midway through the third period when the Illini's third consecutive power play goal put Davenport behind three goals.

In order to be successful this weekend, the Panthers will have to stay of the penalty box. Davenport had 15 penalties in the loss to Illinois and Robert Morris will play a physical game and try to entice the Panthers into some cheap penalties.

If the Panthers can stay out of the penalty box they will put on the ice one of the most explosive offenses in the league as they are averaging over seven goals a game so far this season. Davenport scored 11 goals in each of their first three games before scoring three in their past two including a 2-0 win over Central Oklahoma. Robert Kleiman, Phil Wendecker, and Dan Zawacki each have four goals on the season for the Panthers. Kleiman and Mason Bohlinger lead the team in points with 11 and 10 respectively.

The Panthers have three solid options in net. Phil Graveline, who is 3-1 on the season with a 2.36 goal against average, will likely get the start for the Panthers.

Scouting Robert Morris (Ill.)

Robert Morris comes into this match-up ranked eighth in the latest ACHA D1 rankings with a 6-0-1 record. The Eagles started the season with a pair of wins at Central Oklahoma and then picked up a win and a shootout win against Eastern Michigan. In the showcase last weekend, Robert Morris defeated Niagara, Delaware, and Liberty convincingly.

Davenport will have to try to stop Gehrett Sargis. Sargis leads the Eagles in goals with seven and is second in assists with six. Oleg Popov has 10 assists to lead the team.

Andy DiCristofaro will most likely get the start in net for Robert Morris. Andy has a 5-0-1 record this season and a 2.30 goal against average with 163 saves.


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