Michigan State University
Wisconsin (College Hockey Showcase)
Hockey Falls In Overtime To Wisconsin, 2-1
11/29/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Nov. 29, 2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State hockey team fell 2-1 in overtime to the Wisconsin Badgers Saturday night (Nov. 29) to close out the 2003 College Hockey Showcase. In a tight checking, defensive affair, the Spartans received a stellar goaltending effort from junior Matt Migliaccio (Wyandotte, Mich.), who stopped 33 shots in the loss.
"It's very frustrating," said Migliaccio. "That was about as even game as you can get. The guys played hard and it hurts right now. It's a big blow to our team right now."
The Badgers, who continue to be one of the hottest teams in college hockey, extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games (7-0-3). Michigan State, with the loss, was held winless for the first time in the 11-year history of the College Hockey Showcase.
"Last night, we were tested by a very good team, but didn't react real well," said MSU head coach Rick Comley. "Tonight, I thought we went toe-to-toe with another excellent team, and held our own. Wisconsin is playing very well; they have an undefeated streak of 10 games. We played hard and it was an even game. We got better as the game went on which was good, but it was unfortunate to lose off a power play."
Wisconsin capitalized on two-on-one rush at 13:59 of the opening period to take the early 1-0 lead. Andy Brandt charged into the zone and found a breaking Tom Sawatske who beat Migliaccio far side for the goal.
 Junior Matt Migliaccio stopped 33-of-35 shots against Wisconsin.  | |
After countless scoring chances and a controversial disallowed goal, the Spartans finally solved freshman netminder Brian Elliott at 13:48 of the third period. Mike Lalonde (Chetwynd, B.C.), muscling it out in front of the net, picked up the rebound from a Tommy Goebel (Parma, Ohio) shot from the point and slid a backhander through Elliott's five-hole to tie the game 1-1. Jim Slater (Lapeer, Mich.) also picked up an assist on the goal.
With his third-period tally, Lalonde now has five goals in his past three games. Slater, who continues to keep pace with the CCHA scoring leaders, also extended his point streak to three games with the assist (1-4-5 pts).
Just 1:07 into the overtime frame, Wisconsin took advantage of a carry over tripping penalty by Ash Goldie. With Migliaccio heavily screened in front, Jeff Likens let loose a slap shot from the point that just trickled into the Michigan State net. The power-play goal was Likens first of his career and gave the Badgers the 2-1 victory.
"Playing teams like Minnesota and Wisconsin will prepare us better for Michigan next weekend," said Comley. "We need to work on not taking bad penalties like this weekend, that really causes problems for us. Every time MSU plays Michigan it's a good series, and I expect this season to be the same."
Michigan State returns to action next Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:35 EST, in Ann Arbor, Mich. against the Michigan Wolverines. Friday's game will be televised by Fox Sports Net Detroit.
