Neil’s Notebook: Spartans Fall Short in Hard-Fought OT Battle
1/26/2020 10:41:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
By Neil Koepke
MSUSpartans.com staff writer
EAST LANSING – It was frustrating. It was disappointing.
When you play one of your best games of the season and end up losing and not getting the series sweep you were desperately seeking, it hurts. It hurts a lot.
In one of the most exciting games of the season, and in front of a fired-up standing-room-only crowd of 6,586 at Munn Arena, Michigan State on Saturday came within a bounce or two of scoring a go-ahead goal late in the third period.
And maybe hanging on for the most satisfying win of the season.
Instead, Penn State got the right bounce in the first minute of overtime and defeated the Spartans, 2-1, and salvaged a split in the Big Ten series.
"This one stinks for sure,'' MSU senior co-captain and right wing Sam Saliba said. "Unlike the Minnesota or Wisconsin games (in the last two Saturdays), we were happy with our game, our play.
"We did exactly what we wanted to do in the third period – generate a lot of offense and shots on net. But it came down to a bounce in overtime. We blocked a shot and it goes to their player.''
Tommy Apap, MSU's junior co-captain and center, blocked Penn State defenseman Cole Hults' shot from the point. Instead of the puck deflecting to a teammate or into the corner, it bounced behind Apap into the slot and right to Nittany Lion freshman forward Connor McMenamin.
He got the puck on his stick and his quick shot sailed past MSU goalie John Lethemon just 39 seconds into overtime, spoiling one of the Spartans' best all-around efforts.
"I thought we played a heck of a game. It's probably one of the best games we've played all season,'' MSU coach Danton Cole said. "Unfortunately, they got the bounce at the end. You look at how it happened and our guy comes up big and blocks a shot, and that puck can bounce in about a thousand different places.
"It goes right on their guy's stick. Those are the breaks.''
Michigan State had 43 shots on goal, including 19 in the third period, and five or six great scoring chances during an offensive surge with about five minutes left in the third period.
The Spartans trailed 1-0 after two periods but tied it on Apap's shorthanded breakaway goal 17 seconds into the third period.
"We had 43 shots on net and that's usually good for two goals, and that would have been good for a win tonight,'' Cole said. "The guys didn't cheat us. We as a staff are real proud of the way the guys played – down 1-0 going into the third (period), and we battled and played hard but couldn't get the second one before they did.''
The Spartans' 43 shots are their second-highest total this season. MSU had 44 shots on goal against Wisconsin – a 5-4 victory in overtime on Dec. 7, 2019.
"We had a great effort down the stretch in the third period,'' Saliba said. "We have to keep pushing forward.''
Despite the loss, the No. 19 Spartans (13-12-1 overall, 9-6-1-0 Big Ten) remained in first place, now tied with No. 9 Penn State (17-8-1, 9-6-1), each with 28 points. Ohio State (15-8-1, 8-6-2-0) could have overtaken MSU and PSU and moved into first place by one point but the Buckeyes lost at Minnesota, 4-1, on Saturday.
"We definitely wanted to sweep this weekend so its disappointing that we didn't get the job done,'' Apap said. "We had first place on the line. We have (next) weekend off and we'll recover. A lot of guys are banged up and it'll be good to heal up and we'll be back and ready to go with Minnesota.''
Michigan State takes next weekend off and returns to Big Ten play with a series at Minnesota, Feb. 7-8. Penn State plays host to Notre Dame next weekend.
Penn State outshot MSU 10-7 in the scoreless first period, but the Spartans had the edge in the second and third period, outshooting the visitors, 36-22. PSU senior goalie Peyton Jones made 42 saves, including a clutch breakaway stop on Michigan State's Brody Stevens 5:45 into the third period. Lethemon made 31 saves.
In Friday's 4-1 victory by MSU in the series opener, Lethemon made 39 saves and Jones stopped 28 shots, and only one in the second period.
"We did a good job in two areas,'' Cole said. "We were fast with the puck. In the first period, when we went D to D, we were trying to see what was there and surveying the situation instead of pushing it.
"Once we did that, the pace of our play really took off. And I thought our forecheck in the offensive zone and back pressure were really good, and we didn't give up a lot of outnumbered chances.
"Peyton Jones played a really good game. We've done that other teams where Johnny got us a win. (Jones) was really good tonight.''
Michigan State is now 2-1-1 in overtime games this season. The Spartans went to OT against Notre Dame on Nov. 22 in a game that ended in a 1-1 tie. MSU won the next two games in overtime – a 5-4 win over Wisconsin on Dec. 7 and a 1-0 victory against Arizona State on Dec. 15.
MUNN WAS BUZZIN: Saturday's standing-room-only crowd of 6,596 was one of the best of the season, and atmosphere inside of Munn Arena reminded people of raucous gatherings of the past. As usual, the student section set the tone and the fans were loud and into the game from start to finish.
The atmosphere was appreciated by the players coaches.
"It was outstanding. I think the guys fed off that,'' MSU coach Danton Cole said. "The crowd was loud and the hockey was good. There were blocked shots, hits and exciting plays around the net, even though there wasn't a ton of goals.
"This is what we want this place to be like. Our fans have been great, with our students kind of leading the charge. And we're getting more and more games like this.''
Saturday's crowd was the largest at Munn Arena since March 13, 2015, when 6,681 watched Michigan and MSU in the second-last game of the regular season.
"Outside of a couple of Michigan games in my career here, this one's up there at the top for sure in terms of atmosphere and excitement,'' MSU senior co-captain Sam Saliba said. "Maybe the best college hockey game in the Big Ten so far, from what I've seen.''
Tommy Apap said he loves the dedication of the student section.
"It's so much fun playing in front of that crowd. The student section, half the students are here an hour-and-a-half or two hours before the game,'' the MSU junior co-captain said. "That definitely gives us a boost of energy.
"When it's packed like that, and not just the student section, it's really loud in here. It's awesome. We wish we could have pulled that one out and gave them something to cheer about.''
APAP DELIVERS: Michigan State had three power plays on Saturday but failed to convert, including one power play with 6:46 left in the third period. The Spartans' only goal came shorthanded on a stellar play and finish by junior center Tommy Apap.
Apap tied the game 1-1 just 17 seconds into the third period when Penn State defenseman Evan Bell lost control of the puck at the right point. The puck bounced over his stick and Apap sped by him, got the puck and was in alone on a breakaway.
Apap went in close and beat PSU goalie Peyton Jones to the left corner and the crowd erupted.
"It was just a lucky bounce,'' Apap said. "It hit the (defenseman's) skate and I took off (in the clear). When I was thinking what to do with the shot, I remembered Patty (Khodorenko) scored a couple (goals on Friday) on his blocker side. So, I just tried to shoot there and it was lucky that it went in.''
Lucky? Or maybe just good execution?
"I felt that once Tommy scored and we killed that penalty that we were going to get one (soon) in the period,'' Coach Danton Cole said. "The guys looked like they were going to get one, too, but we didn't. Everything but (score).''
It was Apap's sixth goal of the season and first shorthanded. The Spartans now have scored three shorthanded goals this season – one each by Sam Saliba, Tommy Miller and Apap.
SOLID LINE PLAY: The high-scoring line of Patrick Khodorenko center Mitchell Lewandowski and Sam Saliba is the Spartans' most impactful unit. On Saturday, however MSU's other three lines were very noticeable.
They played with energy, forechecked aggressively, forced PSU turnovers and created good offensive chances.
Tommy Apap's line with Brody Stevens and Gino Esteves were solid, and the lines of freshman Josh Nodler centering senior Logan Lambdin and freshman Jagger Joshua and the checking unit of sophomore Mitchell Mattson at center between sophomore Adam Goodsir and freshman Nicolas Muller worked hard in the offensive zone to create quality chances.
"I thought they w ere outstanding. Josh Nodler's line was just OK last night and Jagger Joshua and Josh, in a big environment, looked a little nervous at times,'' MSU coach Danton Cole said. "But tonight, they looked like juniors out there. They were on pucks, they were strong and really skating.''
The Nodler-Lambdin-Joshua line combined for 11 shots on goal. Lambdin had five, Joshua four and Nodler two, including a point-blank shot from the slot early in the first period
Apap and his linemates had nine shots on goal, led by Apap's four. Stevens had three and Esteves had two.
Mattson-Goodsir-Muller had eight shots. Goodsir had five shots on goal and Muller three.
The Nittany Lions did a good job of containing the Khodorenko line but the trio still managed nine shots on goal. Saliba had a team-high eight shots and Lewandowski had one.
"Mattson's line was outstanding. They scored a big game-winning goal last night, and I thought they were going to get the winner tonight,'' Cole said. "They did a great job with their matchup and they were on pucks forechecking.
"Tommy Apap's line, they do good stuff for us whether they're scoring or not. They play heavy and have big checking assignments and they just stay on top of it.
"I was really happy with those lines. You want all your lines to have a purpose and I think the guys are starting to get that. Everybody wonders when does team chemistry start to kick in. I think it's when guys understand their roles and do it, because when you don't know, you're always wondering.
"Guys have evolved into that and they're doing a good job winning shifts.''
Mattson, who played in only 14 games last season as a freshman, has played in six straight games and eight of the last 10 after being a healthy scratch in 12 of MSU's first 16 games.
He assisted on defenseman Cole Krygier's third-period goal on Friday for his first collegiate point.
How did he earn a spot in the lineup as a checking line center?
"He kept working. We talked a lot about it. It's hard work and focus and not getting caught up in comparing yourself to other guys but comparing yourself to yourself and keep getting better,'' Cole said. "All of sudden, excellence is hard to decide.
"Mitch has been that way since camp started. He caught our eye and bullied his way into the lineup, and coaches like that. Players decide ice time.
"Look at Gino Esteves. Gino played in almost every game in his first year and hardly played any games last year, and now he's a big part of one of the better checking lines in college hockey.''
Esteves played in 35 games as a freshman and had three assists. As a sophomore, he played only three games. This season, he's played in 25 of MSU's 26 games and has two goals and eight points. He had an assist in each of his last three games before Saturday's series finale against Penn State.
IN THE BIG TEN: Minnesota helped Michigan State and Penn State stay in first place by beating Ohio State, 4-1, on Saturday, completing a series sweep. It was the Gophers' first Big Ten sweep of the season.
Minnesota (10-10-4, 5-5-4-3, 22 points) upended the No. 6/6 Buckeyes, 6-3, in the series opener on Friday. The Gophers are 5-1 since after the Christmas break.
Ohio State (15-8-3, 8-6-2-0, 26 points) is 1-3-1 in its last five games and is in third place, two points in back of fourth-place Notre Dame (11-11-4, 6-7-3-2, 23 points). It was the second time that the Buckeyes were swept in a conference series
Minnesota, with a six-point weekend, climbs over idle Michigan and into fifth place with 22 points, one behind the Irish.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame avoided getting swept by Wisconsin with a 5-2 win over the seventh-place Badgers on Saturday. Wisconsin won the series opener, 6-4.
The standings heading into next weekend's games.
1. (Tie) MSU, 28 points; Penn State, 28; 3. Ohio State, 26 points; 4. Notre Dame, 23 points; 5. Minnesota, 22 points; 6. Michigan, 18 points, 7. Wisconsin, 17 points.
MSU, PSU, OSU, Notre Dame and Wisconsin have all played 16 league games, with eight remaining. Minnesota and Michigan have played 14 with 10 still to play.
While the Spartans have next weekend off, there's three series that will have impact on the Big Ten race.
Penn State plays host to Notre Dame, Ohio State is at Michigan and Minnesota and Wisconsin collide in Madison.
MSUSpartans.com staff writer
EAST LANSING – It was frustrating. It was disappointing.
When you play one of your best games of the season and end up losing and not getting the series sweep you were desperately seeking, it hurts. It hurts a lot.
In one of the most exciting games of the season, and in front of a fired-up standing-room-only crowd of 6,586 at Munn Arena, Michigan State on Saturday came within a bounce or two of scoring a go-ahead goal late in the third period.
And maybe hanging on for the most satisfying win of the season.
Instead, Penn State got the right bounce in the first minute of overtime and defeated the Spartans, 2-1, and salvaged a split in the Big Ten series.
"This one stinks for sure,'' MSU senior co-captain and right wing Sam Saliba said. "Unlike the Minnesota or Wisconsin games (in the last two Saturdays), we were happy with our game, our play.
"We did exactly what we wanted to do in the third period – generate a lot of offense and shots on net. But it came down to a bounce in overtime. We blocked a shot and it goes to their player.''
Tommy Apap, MSU's junior co-captain and center, blocked Penn State defenseman Cole Hults' shot from the point. Instead of the puck deflecting to a teammate or into the corner, it bounced behind Apap into the slot and right to Nittany Lion freshman forward Connor McMenamin.
He got the puck on his stick and his quick shot sailed past MSU goalie John Lethemon just 39 seconds into overtime, spoiling one of the Spartans' best all-around efforts.
"I thought we played a heck of a game. It's probably one of the best games we've played all season,'' MSU coach Danton Cole said. "Unfortunately, they got the bounce at the end. You look at how it happened and our guy comes up big and blocks a shot, and that puck can bounce in about a thousand different places.
"It goes right on their guy's stick. Those are the breaks.''
Michigan State had 43 shots on goal, including 19 in the third period, and five or six great scoring chances during an offensive surge with about five minutes left in the third period.
The Spartans trailed 1-0 after two periods but tied it on Apap's shorthanded breakaway goal 17 seconds into the third period.
"We had 43 shots on net and that's usually good for two goals, and that would have been good for a win tonight,'' Cole said. "The guys didn't cheat us. We as a staff are real proud of the way the guys played – down 1-0 going into the third (period), and we battled and played hard but couldn't get the second one before they did.''
The Spartans' 43 shots are their second-highest total this season. MSU had 44 shots on goal against Wisconsin – a 5-4 victory in overtime on Dec. 7, 2019.
"We had a great effort down the stretch in the third period,'' Saliba said. "We have to keep pushing forward.''
Despite the loss, the No. 19 Spartans (13-12-1 overall, 9-6-1-0 Big Ten) remained in first place, now tied with No. 9 Penn State (17-8-1, 9-6-1), each with 28 points. Ohio State (15-8-1, 8-6-2-0) could have overtaken MSU and PSU and moved into first place by one point but the Buckeyes lost at Minnesota, 4-1, on Saturday.
"We definitely wanted to sweep this weekend so its disappointing that we didn't get the job done,'' Apap said. "We had first place on the line. We have (next) weekend off and we'll recover. A lot of guys are banged up and it'll be good to heal up and we'll be back and ready to go with Minnesota.''
Michigan State takes next weekend off and returns to Big Ten play with a series at Minnesota, Feb. 7-8. Penn State plays host to Notre Dame next weekend.
Penn State outshot MSU 10-7 in the scoreless first period, but the Spartans had the edge in the second and third period, outshooting the visitors, 36-22. PSU senior goalie Peyton Jones made 42 saves, including a clutch breakaway stop on Michigan State's Brody Stevens 5:45 into the third period. Lethemon made 31 saves.
In Friday's 4-1 victory by MSU in the series opener, Lethemon made 39 saves and Jones stopped 28 shots, and only one in the second period.
"We did a good job in two areas,'' Cole said. "We were fast with the puck. In the first period, when we went D to D, we were trying to see what was there and surveying the situation instead of pushing it.
"Once we did that, the pace of our play really took off. And I thought our forecheck in the offensive zone and back pressure were really good, and we didn't give up a lot of outnumbered chances.
"Peyton Jones played a really good game. We've done that other teams where Johnny got us a win. (Jones) was really good tonight.''
Michigan State is now 2-1-1 in overtime games this season. The Spartans went to OT against Notre Dame on Nov. 22 in a game that ended in a 1-1 tie. MSU won the next two games in overtime – a 5-4 win over Wisconsin on Dec. 7 and a 1-0 victory against Arizona State on Dec. 15.
MUNN WAS BUZZIN: Saturday's standing-room-only crowd of 6,596 was one of the best of the season, and atmosphere inside of Munn Arena reminded people of raucous gatherings of the past. As usual, the student section set the tone and the fans were loud and into the game from start to finish.
The atmosphere was appreciated by the players coaches.
"It was outstanding. I think the guys fed off that,'' MSU coach Danton Cole said. "The crowd was loud and the hockey was good. There were blocked shots, hits and exciting plays around the net, even though there wasn't a ton of goals.
"This is what we want this place to be like. Our fans have been great, with our students kind of leading the charge. And we're getting more and more games like this.''
Saturday's crowd was the largest at Munn Arena since March 13, 2015, when 6,681 watched Michigan and MSU in the second-last game of the regular season.
"Outside of a couple of Michigan games in my career here, this one's up there at the top for sure in terms of atmosphere and excitement,'' MSU senior co-captain Sam Saliba said. "Maybe the best college hockey game in the Big Ten so far, from what I've seen.''
Tommy Apap said he loves the dedication of the student section.
"It's so much fun playing in front of that crowd. The student section, half the students are here an hour-and-a-half or two hours before the game,'' the MSU junior co-captain said. "That definitely gives us a boost of energy.
"When it's packed like that, and not just the student section, it's really loud in here. It's awesome. We wish we could have pulled that one out and gave them something to cheer about.''
APAP DELIVERS: Michigan State had three power plays on Saturday but failed to convert, including one power play with 6:46 left in the third period. The Spartans' only goal came shorthanded on a stellar play and finish by junior center Tommy Apap.
Apap tied the game 1-1 just 17 seconds into the third period when Penn State defenseman Evan Bell lost control of the puck at the right point. The puck bounced over his stick and Apap sped by him, got the puck and was in alone on a breakaway.
Apap went in close and beat PSU goalie Peyton Jones to the left corner and the crowd erupted.
"It was just a lucky bounce,'' Apap said. "It hit the (defenseman's) skate and I took off (in the clear). When I was thinking what to do with the shot, I remembered Patty (Khodorenko) scored a couple (goals on Friday) on his blocker side. So, I just tried to shoot there and it was lucky that it went in.''
Lucky? Or maybe just good execution?
"I felt that once Tommy scored and we killed that penalty that we were going to get one (soon) in the period,'' Coach Danton Cole said. "The guys looked like they were going to get one, too, but we didn't. Everything but (score).''
It was Apap's sixth goal of the season and first shorthanded. The Spartans now have scored three shorthanded goals this season – one each by Sam Saliba, Tommy Miller and Apap.
SOLID LINE PLAY: The high-scoring line of Patrick Khodorenko center Mitchell Lewandowski and Sam Saliba is the Spartans' most impactful unit. On Saturday, however MSU's other three lines were very noticeable.
They played with energy, forechecked aggressively, forced PSU turnovers and created good offensive chances.
Tommy Apap's line with Brody Stevens and Gino Esteves were solid, and the lines of freshman Josh Nodler centering senior Logan Lambdin and freshman Jagger Joshua and the checking unit of sophomore Mitchell Mattson at center between sophomore Adam Goodsir and freshman Nicolas Muller worked hard in the offensive zone to create quality chances.
"I thought they w ere outstanding. Josh Nodler's line was just OK last night and Jagger Joshua and Josh, in a big environment, looked a little nervous at times,'' MSU coach Danton Cole said. "But tonight, they looked like juniors out there. They were on pucks, they were strong and really skating.''
The Nodler-Lambdin-Joshua line combined for 11 shots on goal. Lambdin had five, Joshua four and Nodler two, including a point-blank shot from the slot early in the first period
Apap and his linemates had nine shots on goal, led by Apap's four. Stevens had three and Esteves had two.
Mattson-Goodsir-Muller had eight shots. Goodsir had five shots on goal and Muller three.
The Nittany Lions did a good job of containing the Khodorenko line but the trio still managed nine shots on goal. Saliba had a team-high eight shots and Lewandowski had one.
"Mattson's line was outstanding. They scored a big game-winning goal last night, and I thought they were going to get the winner tonight,'' Cole said. "They did a great job with their matchup and they were on pucks forechecking.
"Tommy Apap's line, they do good stuff for us whether they're scoring or not. They play heavy and have big checking assignments and they just stay on top of it.
"I was really happy with those lines. You want all your lines to have a purpose and I think the guys are starting to get that. Everybody wonders when does team chemistry start to kick in. I think it's when guys understand their roles and do it, because when you don't know, you're always wondering.
"Guys have evolved into that and they're doing a good job winning shifts.''
Mattson, who played in only 14 games last season as a freshman, has played in six straight games and eight of the last 10 after being a healthy scratch in 12 of MSU's first 16 games.
He assisted on defenseman Cole Krygier's third-period goal on Friday for his first collegiate point.
How did he earn a spot in the lineup as a checking line center?
"He kept working. We talked a lot about it. It's hard work and focus and not getting caught up in comparing yourself to other guys but comparing yourself to yourself and keep getting better,'' Cole said. "All of sudden, excellence is hard to decide.
"Mitch has been that way since camp started. He caught our eye and bullied his way into the lineup, and coaches like that. Players decide ice time.
"Look at Gino Esteves. Gino played in almost every game in his first year and hardly played any games last year, and now he's a big part of one of the better checking lines in college hockey.''
Esteves played in 35 games as a freshman and had three assists. As a sophomore, he played only three games. This season, he's played in 25 of MSU's 26 games and has two goals and eight points. He had an assist in each of his last three games before Saturday's series finale against Penn State.
IN THE BIG TEN: Minnesota helped Michigan State and Penn State stay in first place by beating Ohio State, 4-1, on Saturday, completing a series sweep. It was the Gophers' first Big Ten sweep of the season.
Minnesota (10-10-4, 5-5-4-3, 22 points) upended the No. 6/6 Buckeyes, 6-3, in the series opener on Friday. The Gophers are 5-1 since after the Christmas break.
Ohio State (15-8-3, 8-6-2-0, 26 points) is 1-3-1 in its last five games and is in third place, two points in back of fourth-place Notre Dame (11-11-4, 6-7-3-2, 23 points). It was the second time that the Buckeyes were swept in a conference series
Minnesota, with a six-point weekend, climbs over idle Michigan and into fifth place with 22 points, one behind the Irish.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame avoided getting swept by Wisconsin with a 5-2 win over the seventh-place Badgers on Saturday. Wisconsin won the series opener, 6-4.
The standings heading into next weekend's games.
1. (Tie) MSU, 28 points; Penn State, 28; 3. Ohio State, 26 points; 4. Notre Dame, 23 points; 5. Minnesota, 22 points; 6. Michigan, 18 points, 7. Wisconsin, 17 points.
MSU, PSU, OSU, Notre Dame and Wisconsin have all played 16 league games, with eight remaining. Minnesota and Michigan have played 14 with 10 still to play.
While the Spartans have next weekend off, there's three series that will have impact on the Big Ten race.
Penn State plays host to Notre Dame, Ohio State is at Michigan and Minnesota and Wisconsin collide in Madison.
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