Michigan State 4, Wisconsin 4
11/24/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Nov. 24, 2007
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Michigan State Head Coach Rick Comley
On disappointment regarding weekend turnovers ...
Well, we're in the process of trying to become the team we think we can become. Obviously we aren't there yet. I thought we worked hard both nights. I thought both games were exciting - kind of wild, up-and-down hockey. We would get up a goal, but then they would tie it. Then we would come back and get a 4-2 lead.
On leading after the first period ...
I thought last night we worked really hard. Even in the second period, we had a chance to get up by a couple, but we couldn't quite separate. We just have to keep working, and get better. I think it is a reality check a little bit right now, and we just have to come back, and correct the things we did wrong tonight.
On allowing so many shots during the weekend ...
Well, we only gave up six scoring chances last night in the entire game. There is difference between a scoring chance and a shot on goal. Tonight, I think there were more of them, but not a ton. The shot total in the third period is very misleading, as far as quality of shots.
On the game opening up in the third period ...
They are a young, talented team; so the longer they get into a game, they kind of settle in a little bit. They come at you, and they take lots of chances. They are very active defensemen, so they are going to put pressure on you at times. But our poor defensive play lead to their last three goals.
On the difference between last week's games and this week's games ...
They were totally different games. Miami is very much a bigger, stronger, grinding, physical team. These [Minnesota and Wisconsin] are two skating teams. They have great puck skills, and great young talent. They move and attack very well. I liked our workload, but I didn't like our decision-making.
On the powerplay in overtime ...
I thought we had great chances, but the ice was just so bad. The one that went to Crowder, I don't know if he even touched it; I think it jumped right over his stick. At that point, with the ice, it's going to be really tough. But, we had plenty of chances.
Wisconsin Head Coach Mike Eaves
Overall impressions...
We told the boys after the game that it wasn't the result that we wanted, but it was definitely a step in the right direction. We did a lot of good things, and we stubbed our toes a couple of times. This team has shown a propensity not to give up, and that's a very good thing.
On the decision to start Scott Gudmandson in net...
If you look at our history, this has kind of been the place to debut a young, freshman goaltender. It's not a bad building for them to come in and start in. It's not as raucous as a Yost Arena. Because of those factors, we decided to do it.
On Michigan State's third period goals...
Their third goal bounced over our defenseman's stick, and the way that we played that two-on-one was pretty poor. On the fourth goal, we had the puck at the red line, and we didn't get it in. Then they came down and scored.
On not being able to get a lead...
We talk about the stats, and the stats say that somewhere between 65 and 68 percent of the teams that score first win the game. We haven't had that luxury lately. Although, I will say I thought we had a pretty decent first period. We had some energy, and we did some things; but we were down 2-1.
On his team's attitude...
We as coaches felt that this was as involved as our team has been in terms of communicating to each other on the bench, and holding each other accountable on the bench. And that's a real healthy response.
Michigan State senior forward Bryan Lerg
On his basic feelings right now...
Disappointment. You're up 4-2 with ten minutes to go, and when you don't get it done, it's pretty frustrating. We had a really good first two periods, and then the third period. I think we registered maybe four shots, and that is something we can't have. We have to have the third period be our best period.
On his feelings on the bench after scoring two goals...
It was exciting. Everyone was pumped up, thinking positive. The next thing you know, they answer the bell, and it's 4-3. Everyone started to tighten up a bit, and then they tied it up 4-4. Now everyone is down and thinking, `Man, that was quick'. You have to stay positive through those times, and there were a couple chances at the end where we could have finished up the game and won in overtime. But that's life, and that's the game. There's not much you can do about it.
On his playing with Chris Mueller and Dustin Gazley on his line...
I felt really good with those guys I played with tonight. I moved back on wing so that was a different adjustment, but I thought I handled it pretty well. Chris Mueller and Dustin Gazley both moved the puck to me; I could have done a lot tonight. They were making great plays.
On being winless in last four games...
There are definitely positive things to look at, but when you look at those games, they are games we could have won. We could have won all four of those games if we would have showed up and played. I think Miami was different than this weekend; they're a different type of team. Last night we could have won, and tonight we had the lead but didn't answer. That is something we have to become a better at as a team, and I guess that starts with the upperclassmen. We have to lead by example.
On tying last night and tonight ...
They are two totally different ties. We look at them totally differently. Tonight, like I said, it was a game we should have won. We played well throughout the game, but in the third period, we were a little slower. When you put four shots to the net, it's going to be tough. When they are putting about 15 on us during the third period, it doesn't help. We just have to finish off games. It was a lot of hard work, but a couple mistakes can really hurt the game.
