PITTSBURGH -- A promising trend continued for the Robert Morris University men's hockey team, as the Colonials set a program record by allowing just 13 shots on goal in a 3-1 stifling of Niagara on Friday night at the RMU Island Sports Center.

Never in their previous 623 games had the Colonials surrendered fewer than 14 shots on target, but they broke new ground in the series opener against their Atlantic Hockey rivals, improving to 3-0-1 on Fridays. Daniel Mantenuto's second-period goal held up as the game-winner for RMU, which came from behind to win for the second time this season.

"We came into the locker room and knew we didn't give it our best in the first period," junior defenseman Alex Robert said after the Colonials allowed two goals or fewer for the third straight game. "We really knew we had to get out there and get a lot more physical. I think we showcased that, and our heart, in the second and third."

Kyle Horsman scored in the final second of the first period to pull the Colonials (3-3-1, 2-2-1 AHA) even with the Purple Eagles, and Luke Lynch's empty-netter sealed the result in the third. In between, the home team turned in some seriously smothering hockey, including a middle frame in which they outshot Niagara (2-5-0, 2-3-0) by a 10-0 margin, marking the first time in 15 Division I seasons that RMU has ever held an opponent without a shot on goal in a period.

"It's a pretty impressive stat," remarked head coach Derek Schooley. "To start off a game and not play great in the first period, but to come back with two strong periods? ... I had to be hard on them and have them wake up a bit. And give them credit, for receiving the message and putting it into action."

Also, after scoring five even-strength goals in their first six games combined, the Colonials cashed in for three Friday night on 30 shots against reigning AHA Goalie of the
Week Brian Wilson. At the other end of the ice, RMU netminder Francis Marotte continued his strong play despite a smaller workload than usual; the junior candidate for the Mike Richter Award has stopped 65 of the past 68 shots he's faced.

"Our defense has been much better and our goalie was outstanding," Schooley said. "Right now (Marotte) is on a hot streak. Hopefully he can keep it going."

A revamped top line with Mantenuto flanking Alex Tonge and Lynch paid off as well, contributing the final two goals and accounting for five total points. Tonge's assist on Lynch's first goal of the season gave the senior winger his team-best sixth point through seven games, two up on Mantenuto and Lynch.

"(Mantenuto)'s been playing so well," Schooley said. "I think he feels the confidence right now. We're putting him in situations and that's what you expect from older guys. Moved him up with Lynch and Tonge and got a couple of points. Hopefully that gets those guys jump-started and ready to move."

But the Colonials weren't content to work on the comeback in the second period, as defenseman Eric Israel charged behind the net and centered for Horsman, who shoveled in his first of the year with less than a second remaining on the clock. The goal held up after a lengthy video review.

"That was huge," Robert said. "We weren't feeling too good about ourselves. It was huge for us not being down 1-0. It allowed us to go out there and establish our identity." 

Much of the second period was played on special teams, with the teams taking two minor penalties each. Ironically, RMU snagged its first lead at even strength, when Mantenuto buried his second goal of the season with 2:43 left before intermission. 

The Colonials defended well in their own end, allowing Mantenuto to scoop up a loose puck and lead a three-on-one rush. Just like last Friday against R.I.T., Mantenuto elected to shoot instead of pass, beating Wilson under his glove.

"You're looking at what the goalie's doing, what the 'D' is doing, if they're sliding over to you or the other guy," Mantenuto said. "I've taken two shots (on rushes) and luckily they've gone in."

RMU had to kill two Niagara power plays to start the third, but much like last Friday's 3-0 win over R.I.T., the Colonials controlled the flow of the third period despite protecting a lead. RMU collected 18 blocked shots for the game; Robert led the way with three, but eight others had two apiece.

"Just doing what it takes to win," Mantenuto said. "We have a tight locker room in there. We'll do what it takes for each other. It gets people going when we block shots, make hits, shut 'em down at the end of the game. It's huge for us and it's huge for morale."

As Robert made sure to note after the game, what would be even bigger is to collect their first back-to-back wins of the young season. 

"Looking forward to tomorrow," Robert said. "We haven't been able to put together a full weekend, but I have a tremendous amount of faith in the guys in that locker room."

Now on a 12-2-1 run against Niagara, the Colonials will go for the sweep Saturday night. Faceoff is set for 7:05 on the Island.