DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — The Miami RedHawks hadn't touched the ice against an opponent for 20 days, and at first it showed.

"Rusty" was the word Miami coach Enrico Blasi used, but the rust soon wore off and the RedHawks hit their stride long enough to turn back the Bowling Green Falcons 3-2 Friday evening at Nationwide Arena in the first round of the Ohio Hockey Classic.

Sophomore Justin Mercier punched in the goal which put Miami ahead for good midway through the second period, though as things turned out Brian Kaufman's third-period goal was just as vital.

"For this being our first game back in 20 days, you could tell we were rusty and they were rusty a little bit," Blasi said, "but both teams played hard."

The fourth-ranked RedHawks, who haven't lost since Nov. 25 at Clarkson, raised their record to 15-5-1 and their unbeaten streak to five games.

"It's important for us to play well," said Blasi, whose RedHawks are the Ohio Hockey Classic defending champions. "That's the main thing. We're focused on mental discipline now and I'm making sure our guys are preparing with a purpose."

Ragged start

Although Miami took a 1-0 lead just 3:40 into the first period on senior Marty Guerin's third goal of the year (assisted by Jarod Palmer and Matt Christie), most of the action took place painfully close to the RedHawks' net.

Bowling Green outshot Miami 13-4 in the first 20 minutes. Miami goaltender Charlie Effinger made all 13 saves, but the Falcons' momentum carried over into the second period and culminated when senior forward James Unger shot the game-tying goal past Effinger 4:22 into the period.

The goal was Unger's first of the year in only his second game. He had been sidelined by a wrist injury.

Rare night for Davis

Miami junior Nathan Davis, who leads the team with 35 points, was blanked in Friday's game, marking only the sixth time this year he has not recorded either a goal or assist for the RedHawks.

Looking ahead

The RedHawks will face Ohio State — a 4-1 winner over Minnesota Duluth — at 8:05 p.m.

Of Miami's final 17 regular-season games, only six will be on the home ice of Steve Cady Arena.