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Chris Vannini
In front of one of the lowest crowds of the year, the MSU ice hockey team lost to the Northern Michigan Wildcats 3-2 in overtime. MSU will not advance to the CCHA Championship series in Detroit for the first time 17 years and the second time in 27 years. The loss ended a series that had its share of ups and downs. The Spartans came out flying in game one after almost two weeks off. Despite the fast start, the Wildcats struck first on a shorthanded goal 4:33 into the first. A bouncing puck got by Senior Dan Vukovic and lead to a two on one and a 1-0 lead for NMU. Senior Captain Bryan Lerg scored on a wrap-around less than a minute later, tying the game. Junior Goalie Jeff Lerg prevented the Wildcats from regaining the lead when he made a highlight glove save midway through the first. Junior Justin Abdelkader scored a powerplay goal 16:29 into the second. The goal was scored only six seconds into the powerplay. The Spartans peppered NMU goalie Brian Stewart with 18 shots in the first period and 14 in the second. MSU football players Jehuu Caulcrick and Kaleb Thornhill were spotted taking in the game in the Student Section. MSU finally broke through in the third scoring three goals. Nick Sucharski, Tim Crowder and Tim Kennedy each scored goals for the Spartans in the third. Jeff Lerg made 12 of his 24 saves in the third. Stewart was pulled after the fifth goal bringing hand waving good-bye from the student section. MSU won 5-1. Goals would not come easy for State throughout the rest of the series. MSU thought it had scored the first goal in the second game when NMU shot the puck off of Tim Crowder’s leg, redirecting it into the net. However, the officials determined that Crowder had kicked it in and disallowed the goal. In the second period, Northern scored on a slap shot from the blue line, beating Jeff Lerg high glove side. Tim Crowder scored a powerplay goal with 1:07 left in the second, tying the game. NMU regained the lead 8:13 into the third. The Spartans had a two-man advantage midway through the third. Jeff Dunne’s shot from the point trickled past Stewart but hit the post and was cleared. The Spartans pulled Jeff Lerg but could not get any chances and the Wildcats won 2-1, forcing a third and final game. It was only the Spartans second one-goal loss of the season. The other one was an overtime loss to Nebraska-Omaha. The third game was do-or-die. If they won, they would advance to the CCHA Championship series at Joe Louis Arena. If they lost, they would have to wait until the NCAA Tournament, assuming they get a bid. It was the final game at Munn Ice Arena for the MSU seniors and they wanted to leave with a victory. Once again, the Spartans thought they had taken the league. Bryan Lerg wrapped around the net and put a shot on Stewart, but the puck rebounded out and Lerg put it in the open net. However, the official blew the whistle before the goal was scored because he lost sight of the puck. Once again, NMU scored the first goal. After sustained pressure put on by MSU, a shot by Jeff Petry rang off the post, and turned into a three on two break and a goal for Northern. It was the second post hit by the Spartans. The Spartans finally got a break in the second when a clearing attempt by NMU deflected off of Tim Crowder and lead to a breakaway goal for Bryan Lerg. MSU hit another post in the period, this one courtesy of Corey Tropp. Northern took the lead again late in the period. MSU had another 5 on 3 but again could not score a goal. Their best chance came on a one-timer from Justin Abdelkader but Stewart made a spectacular glove save while sliding from one side of the net to the other. The third period was desperation for the Spartans, the needed to score of they wanted to continue their season at Munn. After a flurry of chances, Nick Sucharski finally broke through with a goal with just over three minutes left. A loose puck in front was slammed home by Sucharski. The game went to overtime with MSU carrying all the momentum. The Spartans came out flying in overtime, sustained pressure throughout overtime. MSU had many chances, including a shot from right in front, but Stewart knocked the puck away with his blocker. Then Bryan Lerg was called for a boarding penalty. The Spartans nearly scored a shorthanded goal but an MSU chanced turned around into an odd-man rush for the Wildcats and resulted in a goal and a series win for Northern. The Spartans now must wait until the bids are given out for the NCAA Hockey Tournament. MSU is most likely in and should receive a three or four seed in the tournament of 16. Last year, MSU was a three seed and defeated Boston University and Notre Dame to advance to the Frozen Four. There they beat Maine and Boston College to win their third NCAA championship in school history. Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Vannini at vanninic@msu.edu
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