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February 6, 2012

Another weekend in Splitsville for the Maverick hockey team

By Shane Frederick

Minnesota State struggled through two periods of hockey over the weekend, and Michigan Tech took advantage each time.

During the second period Friday, the Huskies outshot the Mavericks 24-13 and scored two goals to erase what had been a 3-0 MSU lead in the first period.

On Saturday, Michigan Tech scored six first-period goals and led 6-2 with two periods to play.

The difference, of course, was that the Mavericks overcame their rough period Friday, but they dug themselves in too big of a hole on Saturday.

Just another night in Splitsville for Minnesota State.

It’s easy to have a short memory sometimes, when it comes to sports.

Minnesota State’s previous four weekends were also series splits, with the Mavericks losing the first game and rebounding for a win the next night. The good feelings that come from ending a series on good note can carry over throughout the week leading up to the next series, but it’s also easy to dwell on the second-game loss even if it came after a fairly impressive victory the night before.

So that six-goal outburst — and eventual 7-3 win — by the Huskies resonates a bit as Minnesota State gets ready to go to Alaska Anchorage this week.

Following Friday’s 5-3 victory, Minnesota State came out with some good jump Saturday and scored a quick goal.

The Mavericks looked like a team that was set on securing a conference sweep for the first time in 14 months. Not long after Evan Mosey’s opening goal, another defenseman, Brett Stern, hit the post with a clank that echoed through the half-full Verizon Wireless Center.

The Huskies tied the game and then took the lead on a controversial goal. Initially waved off on the ice, it was changed to a goal after a nearly five-minute review and discussion by the referees.

Whether that was what sucked the life out of the Mavericks, no one would say. Coach Troy Jutting only called it “a big goal,” probably trying to be extra cautious with his true feelings about the call.

But where they showed some resiliency Friday, taking over in the third period to score two goals and win, the Mavericks melted down Saturday.

Defensive-zone coverage disappeared, penalties became a problem — including one by Eriah Hayes that not only negated an MSU man advantage but also led to a Tech power-play goal — and goalie Phil Cook struggled for the first time since Thanksgiving weekend.

In the end, it was another series split — just one that left a bitter, rather than sweet, taste in the Mavericks’ mouths.

Shane Frederick is a Free Press staff writer. Read his blog at mankatofreepresshockey.blogspot.com.

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