Justin Rucinski was all over the ice for M2 Northern Illinois University, as he tallied one goal and four assists in M2 Northern Illinois University's 7-1 win over M2 Illinois State University.

Rucinski beat Paul Barker with a shot 16:40 into the second period on the power play to make the score 2-0 M2 Northern Illinois University. M2 Northern Illinois University earned a power play opportunity when Chris Fiordirosa was put in the box for cross checking. David Madrigal assisted on the tally. Rucinski dished an assist on Nick Leon's goal that made the score 3-0 M2 Northern Illinois University at 47 seconds into the third period. He then added assists on Eric Svejda's goal at 9:26 into the third, on Svejda's goal at 11:41 into the third, and on Leon's goal at 11:48 into the third.

M2 Northern Illinois University was led by goalie JoJo Durrbeck, who finished with 28 saves while allowing one goal. Despite the solid performance, Durrbeck will actually see his goals against average rise, as it stood at 0.89 entering the contest.

M2 Northern Illinois University's penalty kill excelled, as M2 Northern Illinois University gave up one goal despite allowing 11 power plays.

M2 Northern Illinois University forced M2 Illinois State University goalie Barker to work between the pipes, taking 45 shots. M2 Northern Illinois University was forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as it racked up 22 penalty minutes.

M2 Northern Illinois University additionally got points from Svejda, who also racked up two goals and one assist. M2 Northern Illinois University also had goals scored by Erik Gavert and Anthony Ricciardi, who each put in one. Other players who recorded assists for M2 Northern Illinois University were Thomas Turner, who had two and Jake Jauch and Joe Serpico, who contributed one each.

M2 Illinois State University's offense operated below its season average. M2 Illinois State University averages 3.8 goals per game. M2 Illinois State University was forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as it racked up 22 penalty minutes.

M2 Northern Illinois University registered three goals on 11 power play opportunities. Barker rejected 38 shots on goal for M2 Illinois State University.