Michigan State University Athletics
From The Press Box
1/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Michigan State vs. Western Michigan
Jan. 15, 2005 * East Lansing, Mich.
Post-Game Quotes
MSU Head Coach Rick Comley
Opening statement...
"It was a very, very important game. I've tried all year to protect them and not treat it like it was life or death, but we're just at that point of no return. We either put things together and win these three games at home, or we'll have trouble finishing in the upper division (of the league). I think they were a little bit nervous tonight. It was good tight hockey; a much different game than last night, but absolutely critical that we won that game."
Did the team play with a greater sense of urgency tonight...
"I thought they played real tight tonight. Last night's game was a wild up-and-down game, and both teams got tired at times tonight, which is not uncommon in the second game. We just couldn't score again; we had lots of chances through two periods in a tight hockey game. It's only the second time all year we've won when we haven't scored first. We were down 1-0 right away, but nobody panicked. There were a lot of good things out there."
Were you worried when the team was unable to capitalize on its chances in the second period...
"I was deathly worried until the empty-net goal went in. I never quit worrying; it's that type of year."
On the play of goalie Dominic Vicari...
"He's really played well. He's been solid and makes good saves and big saves when he has to. He had no chance on the goal that he gave up. He's really turned into a real leader for us, and he's only a sophomore, so he's done a real good job."
On the team's performance in a critical game...
"I think when you can win a pressure-packed game it's good for you. I think we'll be a better team by Tuesday, and we played without (Kevin) Estrada and (David) Booth, two very important players for us, and hopefully they'll be back next weekend. We've played in a lot of tight games, but I don't think we've played like there's no tomorrow, face that situation, and I think it's time this team faces that."
WMU Head coach Jim Culhane
On the officiating ...
"When you go three-of-three on the power play, they were very disciplined, and we only had one full power play. The game was well officiated and well played by both teams."
On the Spartans' comeback...
"We got up one-nothing, got the jump on them - that's four consecutive games we've scored first - and we has some chances to make it a two-nothing game. (Dominic) Vicari was there to make the saves, and they were able to respond, tie it, and get the next one to take the lead."
On Western's play in the third ...
"I thought we dominated play at times in that third period. We played a lot of minutes in their zone. They did a good job defensively, taking away the slot area. We had some chances, but Vicari was there to make some saves."
On Western's play since the semester break...
"I'm proud of the way we're playing. We've played Michigan and Michigan State here after Christmas and I think we could be 3-1 with the way we've played, but we're not, we're 1-3, so we've got to stay positive with the team. They're working their tails off; they're playing hard for each other."
MSU Player Quotes
Junior forward Colton Fretter
On how much the team wanted to win...
"We really needed that one. We were down a goal and battled back. It was just a good win for our team. Every game that we get deeper into the season, if we don't start winning more there is going to be more urgency. With that win, it's huge for us."
On scoring MSU's first goal...
"It was a loose puck battle on the boards and I was able to pick it up. They were in transition and I had a lot of time in the slot. I was going to take a shot and the guy laid down, so I went to my backhand and threw it upstairs. It's a lot better, especially at home, going into the break after the first being tied. You never like being down, so it was good for our team."
On having patience throughout the game...
"That's what we talked about, especially on the power play. They collapse deep and they were able to block a lot of our shots (on Friday) so we just tried to get more movement going on in the power play."
Sophomore goaltender Dominic Vicari
On the pace of the game...
"We got off to a little bit of a slow start. When they got the first one it kind of sparked us. In the second period they got a couple of good shots but we managed to get the goal in the second and that helped us out big time."
On having a slim 2-1 lead for a long time...
"I felt pretty comfortable. Our `D' played very well tonight and our forwards managed to contain them to the outside. They are a good offensive team and that helped out in them not getting too many shots tonight. They only had two power plays and are really good on the power play and use that to their advantage so staying off it was good."
On the victory...
"It definitely was important. We needed to win this. We needed to come out and split; the guys worked hard and were able to get it done."
Sophomore defenseman A.J. Thelen
On the victory fitting into the entire season...
"It's definitely a relief. This game was either make it or break it. Just with the season we've had -- the ups and downs -- the way we played last night, outshooting them 50-25; it felt really good to win this game. We have to have pride. We got to make sure we know how Friday's loss felt next weekend and what we need to do to get back in the standings."
On how much maturity the victory brings to the team...
"It showed a lot of composure on our team by holding a 2-1 lead the whole game. They are a very good team down low, cycling the puck and just getting it out into the slot and taking shots. Holding them off was definitely a plus for our team. It gave our team some confidence and put some smiles on our players' faces. It feels good."
On the defensive side of the game...
"We have got to help out Dom as much as we can. He's back there making the saves and we've got to make sure we keep the shots far out, try and get a piece and deflect them."
Senior forward Mike Lalonde
On the team's strengths Saturday...
"I think staying out of the box was a big, big plus for us. Being very aware of where their guys were, defensively we were very strong for the most part, not letting them get second shots was big too and our `D' and goalie did a good job tonight."
On recovering from a knee injury...
"I definitely feel like the injury has healed. I feel very good. I feel very strong. It's gotten stronger and stronger. I'm not trying to force things, but just do the job I am supposed to do and let things happen from there. It's working out great."
On the goal...
"Maybe a bit of luck. The goalie got beat there short side last night too, so I just try to put it on from where ever I can. A lot of people that watch or my teammates will say I shoot from anywhere and that's exactly what I did. (Reacting) is what you have to do and those are the kind of goals that go in."
