Game Recaps
Game 2 Boxscore // Game 2 Recap
Game 3 Boxscore (pending...) // Game 3 Recap (pending....)
Series Thoughts
The Spartans left it all on the ice this weekend, after a grueling trip and a stunning game 1 victory. It might not have been the ending they wanted, but it was a great step in the right direction for the program. This marks the last time MSU will play in the CCHA, as the next game will be part of the newly formed Big Ten conference.
MSU played very well this weekend, and earned that 3-0 victory in game 1. Miami came back and played much better on the second night, even despite MSU scoring early on in the game, and they showed why they are the CCHA champions. Still, the Spartans responded with a great effort on Sunday, a bad bounce led to the first goal, and Miami built a 2-0 lead, but the Spartans still did roll over. They continued to battle, even as Yanakeff came out to play in the 2nd period. The Spartans got a few power play opportunities and eventually got one in to pull within one. It would stay that way until about halfway through the third period when Miami finally got their breathing room back. After that the Spartans still tried to chip away, but Miami added an empty net goal to finish the scoring off.
Miami will continue to the CCHA semi-finals against Michigan next Saturday. Notre Dame will play Ohio State (funny for how much the Big Ten got knocked, but 4 of the 6 teams are still playing in their respective conference tournaments).
We'll have more thoughts as the off season continues, including a recap of the season, a look ahead to the Big Ten - though right now some time off to reflect seems appropriate. The underdog might not have won this weekend, but they showed the program is heading in the right direction.
Showing posts with label Game Recap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Game Recap. Show all posts
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Late Night Heroics: Michigan State 2 Alaska 1 (OT)
Friday, March 28, 2008: The last time Michigan State won a post season game (a 3-1 win over Colorado College).
Friday, March 14, 2008: The last time Michigan State won a CCHA post season game (a 5-1 win over Northern).
Friday, March 8, 2013: The day MSU exercised all those past playoff ghosts. Michigan State was out-shot 35-15 for the game, but it was the final shot that mattered as Matt DeBlouw sent everyone home early on in the first overtime period as Michigan State defeated Alaska 2-1.
Will Yanakeff was spectacular again tonight making 34 saves on the evening, including plenty of great stops in the 3rd period that kept it a 1-1 game. Tanner Sorenson opened the scoring just 27 seconds into the game - giving MSU an early 1-0 lead.
Alaska would go on to tie the game later in the period.
Now Michigan State is one game away from winning their first CCHA playoff series since 2007. I guess someone forgot to tell them, they are underdogs, and underdogs aren't suppose to win.
Friday, March 14, 2008: The last time Michigan State won a CCHA post season game (a 5-1 win over Northern).
Friday, March 8, 2013: The day MSU exercised all those past playoff ghosts. Michigan State was out-shot 35-15 for the game, but it was the final shot that mattered as Matt DeBlouw sent everyone home early on in the first overtime period as Michigan State defeated Alaska 2-1.
Will Yanakeff was spectacular again tonight making 34 saves on the evening, including plenty of great stops in the 3rd period that kept it a 1-1 game. Tanner Sorenson opened the scoring just 27 seconds into the game - giving MSU an early 1-0 lead.
Alaska would go on to tie the game later in the period.
Now Michigan State is one game away from winning their first CCHA playoff series since 2007. I guess someone forgot to tell them, they are underdogs, and underdogs aren't suppose to win.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Yanakeff Backstops MSU to 1-0 Victory in Alaska
Game Recaps:
MSU Recap // Alaska Recap // Final Stats // Daily News Miner Recap (Fairbanks)
Game Thoughts:
It wasn't pretty, and the offense didn't exactly explode for a bunch of goals, but they did enough to steal a rare Friday night victory last night in Fairbanks. Greg Wolfe scored the only goal 7:53 into the opening period, and Will Yanakeff was spectacular making 37 stops to earn his first shutout of the season.
Alaska out-shot the Spartans 34-14 for the game.
The Spartans had a lot of jump early, which eventually created the goal, but Alaska pretty much took over from that point though they couldn't solve Yanakeff. MSU only had 1 power play on the evening, and it lasted 11 seconds, because it was the back end of a 4 on 4 situation. Alaska had a power play over the final 1:19 as Jake Chelios took a cross-checking penalty late. The Nanooks pulled their goalie for a two-man advantage, but the Spartans held strong to preserve the 1-0 victory.
With the win, this is the first time all season Michigan State has won back to back games. Tonight, they'll go for their first series sweep of the season.
Around the CCHA:
Miami, Michigan, and Northern Michigan all won tonight. Western Michigan beat ND in a shoot-out. So the standings over the bottom half of the CCHA look like this:
6th - Alaska 37 pts (1 game left)
7th - LSSU 32 pts (3 games left)
8th - BGSU 31 pts (3 games left)
9th - Northern 29 pts (3 games left)
10th - Michigan 28 pts (3 games left)
11th - MSU 25 pts (3 games left)
Alaska has been eliminated from a top 5 spot now. The Spartans drew to within six points of 8th place. They still need help to move up - a loss tonight by MSU would make a second trip out to Fairbanks a very high probability.
The two teams face-off at 11:05 pm Eastern tonight.
MSU Recap // Alaska Recap // Final Stats // Daily News Miner Recap (Fairbanks)
Game Thoughts:
It wasn't pretty, and the offense didn't exactly explode for a bunch of goals, but they did enough to steal a rare Friday night victory last night in Fairbanks. Greg Wolfe scored the only goal 7:53 into the opening period, and Will Yanakeff was spectacular making 37 stops to earn his first shutout of the season.
Alaska out-shot the Spartans 34-14 for the game.
The Spartans had a lot of jump early, which eventually created the goal, but Alaska pretty much took over from that point though they couldn't solve Yanakeff. MSU only had 1 power play on the evening, and it lasted 11 seconds, because it was the back end of a 4 on 4 situation. Alaska had a power play over the final 1:19 as Jake Chelios took a cross-checking penalty late. The Nanooks pulled their goalie for a two-man advantage, but the Spartans held strong to preserve the 1-0 victory.
With the win, this is the first time all season Michigan State has won back to back games. Tonight, they'll go for their first series sweep of the season.
Around the CCHA:
Miami, Michigan, and Northern Michigan all won tonight. Western Michigan beat ND in a shoot-out. So the standings over the bottom half of the CCHA look like this:
6th - Alaska 37 pts (1 game left)
7th - LSSU 32 pts (3 games left)
8th - BGSU 31 pts (3 games left)
9th - Northern 29 pts (3 games left)
10th - Michigan 28 pts (3 games left)
11th - MSU 25 pts (3 games left)
Alaska has been eliminated from a top 5 spot now. The Spartans drew to within six points of 8th place. They still need help to move up - a loss tonight by MSU would make a second trip out to Fairbanks a very high probability.
The two teams face-off at 11:05 pm Eastern tonight.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Spartans Knock-Off #2 Notre Dame 4-1
Game Recaps
MSUSpartans.com Recap
Thoughts:
Well, maybe it's me. I was unable to personally attend this game, but the Spartans were finally rewarded for their efforts. They really did deserve better than the 1-0 loss the night before, and they exploded for four goals on Saturday to knock off #2 Notre Dame.
This win moved MSU into a tie for 8th place in the CCHA with Michigan after the Wolverines were swept by Alaska at home for the first time ever. Michigan State technically holds the tiebreaker with five conference wins compared to Michigan's four. This would mean if the season ended tonight, the two teams would face each other in East Lansing in the first round of the CCHA playoffs.
More to come late tomorrow.
MSUSpartans.com Recap
Thoughts:
Well, maybe it's me. I was unable to personally attend this game, but the Spartans were finally rewarded for their efforts. They really did deserve better than the 1-0 loss the night before, and they exploded for four goals on Saturday to knock off #2 Notre Dame.
This win moved MSU into a tie for 8th place in the CCHA with Michigan after the Wolverines were swept by Alaska at home for the first time ever. Michigan State technically holds the tiebreaker with five conference wins compared to Michigan's four. This would mean if the season ended tonight, the two teams would face each other in East Lansing in the first round of the CCHA playoffs.
More to come late tomorrow.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
MSU Falls to #2 Notre Dame 1-0
Game Recap & Boxscore
MSUSpartans.com Recap // Notre Dame Recap
Box Score // MSUSpartans.com All-Access Highlights
USCHO Recap // LSJ.com Recap
Thoughts:
It's tough to say anything else other than the offense continues to struggle. The difference last night was though Michigan State had chances to put the puck in the net, but they just didn't finish. Summerhays for Notre Dame and Hildebrand for Michigan State played outstanding - but it was a lone power play goal in the second period that was the difference. It was on an interference penalty in the offensive zone, which makes it worse.
Chris Forfar may have had the best chance in the final period, but his shot hit the crossbar. Brent Darnell was given a game misconduct for a hit from behind in the first period, but the Notre Dame power play didn't score as they took a couple penalties themselves to limit the time on the power play, and Michigan State's PK did a good job closing out the first period.
Really, it was a better effort than last week in Big Rapids - and it reminded me in some ways of the Western Michigan game (minus the last minute tying goal). But once again MSU comes out short. I believe this is the third 1-0 game of the season that MSU has lost. Hildebrand has been in net for all three games.
I mean think about these stats for Hildebrand:
Save %: .940
GAA: 1.87
Yet his record is only 3-8-1.
Those two figures only, you'd think he'd have 10-12 wins. Someone needs to start to finish those scoring opportunities - and who knows, there might be a game out there where MSU is about to light up the scoreboard.
MSUSpartans.com Recap // Notre Dame Recap
Box Score // MSUSpartans.com All-Access Highlights
USCHO Recap // LSJ.com Recap
Thoughts:
It's tough to say anything else other than the offense continues to struggle. The difference last night was though Michigan State had chances to put the puck in the net, but they just didn't finish. Summerhays for Notre Dame and Hildebrand for Michigan State played outstanding - but it was a lone power play goal in the second period that was the difference. It was on an interference penalty in the offensive zone, which makes it worse.
Chris Forfar may have had the best chance in the final period, but his shot hit the crossbar. Brent Darnell was given a game misconduct for a hit from behind in the first period, but the Notre Dame power play didn't score as they took a couple penalties themselves to limit the time on the power play, and Michigan State's PK did a good job closing out the first period.
Really, it was a better effort than last week in Big Rapids - and it reminded me in some ways of the Western Michigan game (minus the last minute tying goal). But once again MSU comes out short. I believe this is the third 1-0 game of the season that MSU has lost. Hildebrand has been in net for all three games.
I mean think about these stats for Hildebrand:
Save %: .940
GAA: 1.87
Yet his record is only 3-8-1.
Those two figures only, you'd think he'd have 10-12 wins. Someone needs to start to finish those scoring opportunities - and who knows, there might be a game out there where MSU is about to light up the scoreboard.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Buckeyes Sweep Spartans 3-1
Another night, another loss.
Again, it's not for a lack of effort - the Spartans battled hard for 60 minutes. In fact, Michigan State did a better job of getting to the net, but Brady Hjelle played very well in net again tonight stopping 21 of 22 shots he faced.
The first period started out pretty well for Michigan State. The Spartans were attacking the net with some success, making Hjelle make a handful of tough saves. Chris Forfar then powered a shot between his legs to give Michigan State a 1-0 lead, and ending a scoring drought that lasted 160 minutes and 27 seconds. John Draeger and goaltender Jake Hildebrand got the assists on the play. The first period ended that way with Ohio State holding an 11-10 edge on shots.
The second period looked a little similar to yesterday, as Ohio State got stronger as the game progressed. Unlike last night though, the Buckeyes managed to solve Jake Hildebrand in the middle period. Both on plays to the front of the net, the first from Tanner Fritz 6:50 into the middle stanza, and then Tyler Lundey at the 18:55 mark. Ohio State took a 2-1 lead into the 2nd intermission, but Michigan State held the edge on shots 19-18. The Spartans did have a couple chances in the period, but either they missed the net or Hjelle was there.
The final period saw some chances at both ends - including a mini-break away for Michigan State that Hjelle once again stopped. Ohio State hit the post early on in the period, but then they took a couple late penalties that gave Michigan State a chance. The first came with about seven minutes to go in regulation, but the Spartan power play had some problems settling a bouncing puck down. Michigan State kept pressing though, and the pressure nearly paid off with just over one minute to go as a bouncing puck found its way behind Hjelle, but tipped off the post. Ohio State was then penalized for too many men on the ice, and Michigan State had a power play over the final 41 seconds.
Michigan State got some initial pressure on the two man advantage (6x4), but the puck was eventually stolen, and Tyler Lundey buried the empty net goal to put the game away and give Ohio State a 3-1 win in front of 6,115 fans.
Things don't get much easier for the Spartans either, as they travel down to South Bend for a pair of games next weekend - as Michigan State is now looking to end a four game winless streak.
Across the Country
A lot of games are in progress right now. Notre Dame is destroying LSSU late in the 3rd period by a 6-1 score. Michigan and Ferris State are tied at 3 late in regulation. Western Michigan finished off its sweep of Northern Michigan with a 1-0 win. Alaska and Miami play later tonight.
Across the country - Boston College holds a 4-1 lead over BU. If that score holds, Jerry York will tie Ron Mason on the all-time career coaching wins list.
More to come tomorrow evening.
Again, it's not for a lack of effort - the Spartans battled hard for 60 minutes. In fact, Michigan State did a better job of getting to the net, but Brady Hjelle played very well in net again tonight stopping 21 of 22 shots he faced.
The first period started out pretty well for Michigan State. The Spartans were attacking the net with some success, making Hjelle make a handful of tough saves. Chris Forfar then powered a shot between his legs to give Michigan State a 1-0 lead, and ending a scoring drought that lasted 160 minutes and 27 seconds. John Draeger and goaltender Jake Hildebrand got the assists on the play. The first period ended that way with Ohio State holding an 11-10 edge on shots.
The second period looked a little similar to yesterday, as Ohio State got stronger as the game progressed. Unlike last night though, the Buckeyes managed to solve Jake Hildebrand in the middle period. Both on plays to the front of the net, the first from Tanner Fritz 6:50 into the middle stanza, and then Tyler Lundey at the 18:55 mark. Ohio State took a 2-1 lead into the 2nd intermission, but Michigan State held the edge on shots 19-18. The Spartans did have a couple chances in the period, but either they missed the net or Hjelle was there.
The final period saw some chances at both ends - including a mini-break away for Michigan State that Hjelle once again stopped. Ohio State hit the post early on in the period, but then they took a couple late penalties that gave Michigan State a chance. The first came with about seven minutes to go in regulation, but the Spartan power play had some problems settling a bouncing puck down. Michigan State kept pressing though, and the pressure nearly paid off with just over one minute to go as a bouncing puck found its way behind Hjelle, but tipped off the post. Ohio State was then penalized for too many men on the ice, and Michigan State had a power play over the final 41 seconds.
Michigan State got some initial pressure on the two man advantage (6x4), but the puck was eventually stolen, and Tyler Lundey buried the empty net goal to put the game away and give Ohio State a 3-1 win in front of 6,115 fans.
Things don't get much easier for the Spartans either, as they travel down to South Bend for a pair of games next weekend - as Michigan State is now looking to end a four game winless streak.
Across the Country
A lot of games are in progress right now. Notre Dame is destroying LSSU late in the 3rd period by a 6-1 score. Michigan and Ferris State are tied at 3 late in regulation. Western Michigan finished off its sweep of Northern Michigan with a 1-0 win. Alaska and Miami play later tonight.
Across the country - Boston College holds a 4-1 lead over BU. If that score holds, Jerry York will tie Ron Mason on the all-time career coaching wins list.
More to come tomorrow evening.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Spartans Battle RedHawks to 2-2 Tie
The Spartans have been looking for ways to end the Friday curse. Michigan State entered this weekend with only one win the entire season (1-4) on Fridays. Michigan State also had lost five straight against Miami being outscored 20-2 in the process.
Chalk it up as another gritty effort, as the Spartans battled all night and rallied from a 2-0 deficit to earn the 2-2 tie. Miami ended up picking up the extra point in the shoot-out (2-0). This game means Michigan State is now 4-5-2 on the season (3-3-1-0 CCHA, 10 points).
Alex Gacek got the scoring started at the 11:15 mark of the first period to give Miami a 1-0 lead. Miami built that lead up to 2-0 just 5:47 into the second period, and it looked like the Miami curse was going to continue.
Matt Berry responded though at the 7:38 mark to score his fourth goal in his last two games to pull the Spartans back to within one. Jake Chelios then ripped a shot on the power play with 1:07 to go in the period to pull Michigan State even with Miami. The shots through two periods of play were 17-14 in favor of Miami (MSU held a 9-6 edge in the opening period). Freshman goaltender Jake Hildebrand stood tall in the second period keeping MSU in the game. In the final period, Miami carried quite a bit of the play, but the Spartans defense improved and the goalkeeping was strong once again. Miami held a 8-6 edge in shots in the 3rd period.
In overtime, both teams had a chance to end it, but the goalkeepers made big saves. Miami had a 2-1 edge in shots in the overtime period and the total for the game 27-21.
Miami then would take the extra point by winning the shoot-out 2-0. Barber and Wideman scored for the RedHawks. Barber's goal was initially waived off, but after a short review, the officials determined the puck did go in the net. Berry and Sorensen missed for Michigan State.
Overall, it was a strong defensive game by both teams. While the Spartans are happy to get any points, it's a little disappointing to give up the extra one in a shoot-out. Both teams will meet again on Saturday night at 7:05 pm. The game can be heard on 1240 am starting at 6:30 pm.
Chalk it up as another gritty effort, as the Spartans battled all night and rallied from a 2-0 deficit to earn the 2-2 tie. Miami ended up picking up the extra point in the shoot-out (2-0). This game means Michigan State is now 4-5-2 on the season (3-3-1-0 CCHA, 10 points).
Alex Gacek got the scoring started at the 11:15 mark of the first period to give Miami a 1-0 lead. Miami built that lead up to 2-0 just 5:47 into the second period, and it looked like the Miami curse was going to continue.
Matt Berry responded though at the 7:38 mark to score his fourth goal in his last two games to pull the Spartans back to within one. Jake Chelios then ripped a shot on the power play with 1:07 to go in the period to pull Michigan State even with Miami. The shots through two periods of play were 17-14 in favor of Miami (MSU held a 9-6 edge in the opening period). Freshman goaltender Jake Hildebrand stood tall in the second period keeping MSU in the game. In the final period, Miami carried quite a bit of the play, but the Spartans defense improved and the goalkeeping was strong once again. Miami held a 8-6 edge in shots in the 3rd period.
In overtime, both teams had a chance to end it, but the goalkeepers made big saves. Miami had a 2-1 edge in shots in the overtime period and the total for the game 27-21.
Miami then would take the extra point by winning the shoot-out 2-0. Barber and Wideman scored for the RedHawks. Barber's goal was initially waived off, but after a short review, the officials determined the puck did go in the net. Berry and Sorensen missed for Michigan State.
Overall, it was a strong defensive game by both teams. While the Spartans are happy to get any points, it's a little disappointing to give up the extra one in a shoot-out. Both teams will meet again on Saturday night at 7:05 pm. The game can be heard on 1240 am starting at 6:30 pm.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Spartans Rebound & Dominate Bowling Green 6-1
What a difference a day makes.
A night after the Spartans couldn't seem to find the back of the net, Michigan State pretty much found nothing but net for their second straight road victory of this young season.
The Spartans power play proved to be the difference scoring four times as MSU posted a 6-1 win at Bowling Green to move to 2-2-0 in league play and 3-4-1 overall. With the loss, BGSU falls to 1-2-1-1 in the CCHA and 2-5-1 overall.
The Spartans will face arch-rival Michigan next weekend in a home and home series. More to come later tomorrow and throughout the week.
A night after the Spartans couldn't seem to find the back of the net, Michigan State pretty much found nothing but net for their second straight road victory of this young season.
The Spartans power play proved to be the difference scoring four times as MSU posted a 6-1 win at Bowling Green to move to 2-2-0 in league play and 3-4-1 overall. With the loss, BGSU falls to 1-2-1-1 in the CCHA and 2-5-1 overall.
The Spartans will face arch-rival Michigan next weekend in a home and home series. More to come later tomorrow and throughout the week.
Bowling Green Posts Shutout For First Win At Munn Since 2007
The last time Bowling Green came into East Lansing and won was the 2006 - 2007 season. That streak is now over, as the Falcons defeated the Spartans 1-0 at Munn Ice Arena last night. The good news for MSU fans is that was the same season MSU won the national title. But, we could be getting a little ahead of ourselves with that stat.
The Falcons came out with a bit of jump, out-shooting MSU 9-5 in the opening period, and the pressure finally paid off with just under four minutes to go in the period as the point shot from Kucera was deflected off of the MSU defense in front of a mass off bodies in front of the Spartan goal - Jake Hildebrand had no chance.
The Spartans may have played better as the game progressed, but they didn't get many offensive chances, despite out-shooting Bowling Green 29-25 for the game. The best opportunity for the Spartans came on a 5 on 3 for a full minute in the third period. The Spartans did get some pressure on goal there, including hitting the goal post once, but they could not solve Hammond in goal.
The loss drops the Spartans to 1-2-0 in the CCHA and 2-4-1 overall. Bowling Green improves to 1-1-1-1 in the league and 2-4-2 overall. The two teams play again tonight down in Bowling Green. The puck drops at 7:05 pm.
The Falcons came out with a bit of jump, out-shooting MSU 9-5 in the opening period, and the pressure finally paid off with just under four minutes to go in the period as the point shot from Kucera was deflected off of the MSU defense in front of a mass off bodies in front of the Spartan goal - Jake Hildebrand had no chance.
The Spartans may have played better as the game progressed, but they didn't get many offensive chances, despite out-shooting Bowling Green 29-25 for the game. The best opportunity for the Spartans came on a 5 on 3 for a full minute in the third period. The Spartans did get some pressure on goal there, including hitting the goal post once, but they could not solve Hammond in goal.
The loss drops the Spartans to 1-2-0 in the CCHA and 2-4-1 overall. Bowling Green improves to 1-1-1-1 in the league and 2-4-2 overall. The two teams play again tonight down in Bowling Green. The puck drops at 7:05 pm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)