Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
0-3-0
Denver
3-2-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Michigan State | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Spartans Drop Narrow 2-1 Decision Vs. No. 6 Denver
10/22/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Denver spoiled Michigan State's 2016-17 home opener with a 2-1 non-conference victory on Friday night in front of 5,419 fans at Munn Arena.
All three goals were scored in the third period. The Pioneers (3-2) are ranked No. 6 in the nation.
"Denver is a really good team and I'm impressed with their style of play. They execute well and play at a high pace,'' Spartans coach Tom Anastos said.
"I thought our team competed hard and grew as the game went on. We got better, we adapted to pace of game in some regards, and our special teams were radically improved from a week ago.''
The Pioneers broke a scoreless tie at 5:33 of the third period when freshman forward Henrik Borgstrom's perfectly-paced wrist shot from deep in the left circle rocketed over the right shoulder of MSU goalie.
Denver seemed to put the game out of reach when sophomore left wing Jarid Lukosevicius scored on a screen shot from the left circle with 3:35 left.
But the Spartans (0-3) set up an exciting finish when the they converted on a power play â€" a 6-on-4 advantage with Minney pulled for an extra attacker â€" with 1:21 left in the game.
Freshman center Patrick Khodorenko took a perfect cross-ice pass from sophomore right wing Mason Appleton in the left circle and his one-timer beat DU goalie Tanner Jaillet to give the Spartans hope.
MSU pulled Minney again in the final minute, applied pressure in the Pioneers' zone, and had a few good chances but Jaillet was solid and Denver held on for the victory
Michigan State was 1-for-4 on the power play while Denver was 0-for-4.
Minney had the best outing of his career at MSU. He made 24 saves, including 11 in each of the first two periods. Jaillet stopped 19 shots, including 10 in the third period.
"He made some big saves. Hopefully, that's a big confidence boost for him,'' Anastos said of Minney, making his third career start. "He was seeing the puck well and he played the puck well. He played against a good team and made a lot of good saves.''
The Spartans and Pioneers meet in the series finale at 5 p.m. Saturday at Munn Arena.
Last weekend, MSU lost twice in its season-opening series at Lake Superior State, 6-1 and 7-3. The Spartans gave up four power-play goals in the first game and two in the second.
On Friday against Denver, Michigan State competed harder, played better defensively and on special teams.
"You're always disappointed when you lose but there's a lot to be encouraged about,'' Anastos said. "Our team got better and that's what important at this stage of the season. We played a lot of freshmen and sophomores in key situations. A lot of guys got good experience.
"I thought we played with so much more pace than we did a week ago.
At least from a battle perspective, from moving up and down the ice.
"We still have to get to a point where our level of execution is sharper at this pace. But I liked how we battled and our special teams make big steps in improvement from last weekend.
"I loved the crowd, the energy in the building. I just wish we could have delivered a couple of more goals.''
