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After a promising start, the Gophers faded and never recovered on Friday. Minnesota was forced to settle for a series split as Michigan State topped the Maroon and Gold by a score of 4-2.
Spartan Success
Don Lucia put it well after the game, “The best team won tonight.” Despite beginning the game with solid push, the Gophers couldn’t sustain the pressure and were outplayed by MSU. The Spartans offense looked much-improved from Thursday, something that helped to keep Minnesota from attacking.
“I thought we were better offensively tonight, that’s what led to better defense,” said Michigan State head coach Tom Anastos. “I thought our forecheck was way better, way more offensive zone possession time.”
Lucia noted that it was a team effort for the Spartans.
“They defended well,” said Lucia. “They were first on pucks. They were winning some battles and they deserved to win.”
A strong defensive team, Michigan State was able to prevent easy goals around the cage.
“They were keeping us away from the front of the net, that’s how we scored last night,” said Kyle Rau. “I’m sure that was an emphasis for them this morning. They did a good job of that.”
Wilcox Returns
After sitting out on Thursday, Minnesota backstop, Adam Wilcox, returned to action. It’s certainly encouraging that he won’t be sidelined for an extended period of time. Nick Lehr got the win last night but it is next to impossible to replace Wilcox.
“I thought Adam was good,” said Lucia. “You can’t fault him…He did have limited practice time this week but he looked 100%.”
There were plenty of things wrong with Minnesota’s game and Wilcox wasn’t one of them.
“Adam wasn’t our issue tonight,” said Lucia. “We couldn’t find our game tonight. I think a lot of credit goes to how Michigan State played.”
Draeger’s Homecoming
Minnesota Wild draft pick and Minnesota native, John Draeger, scored Michigan State’s first goal. The defensive-minded blueliner had scored just one goal in 88 career games, something his coach was happy to see changed on Friday.
“It was like a root canal finally coming to fruition,” joked Anastos. “It was nice, especially at home. It’s his home state, Minnesota Wild draft pick. The kid works his tail off every single day and it was really nice to see him get rewarded.”
By the Numbers
1 Powerplay for the Spartans and it was a costly one as Hudson Fasching left the Gophers shorthanded with just 1:52 left. MSU would capitalize and put the game out of reach.
10 Margin that Michigan State outshot Minnesota on Friday.
4 Games in a row that the Gophers have allowed the first goal.
Three Stars of the Game
#3 Kyle Rau scored both Gopher goals.
#2 Michael Ferrantino scored the game-winner in the third.
#1 Ryan Keller added a goal and an assist.
What’s Next
Minnesota will travel to Columbus for a two-game stint against Ohio State. Friday’s game will be at 4:00 CT on ESPNU while Saturday will be at 5:00 CT on ESPNEWS.
Spartan Success
Don Lucia put it well after the game, “The best team won tonight.” Despite beginning the game with solid push, the Gophers couldn’t sustain the pressure and were outplayed by MSU. The Spartans offense looked much-improved from Thursday, something that helped to keep Minnesota from attacking.
“I thought we were better offensively tonight, that’s what led to better defense,” said Michigan State head coach Tom Anastos. “I thought our forecheck was way better, way more offensive zone possession time.”
Lucia noted that it was a team effort for the Spartans.
“They defended well,” said Lucia. “They were first on pucks. They were winning some battles and they deserved to win.”
A strong defensive team, Michigan State was able to prevent easy goals around the cage.
“They were keeping us away from the front of the net, that’s how we scored last night,” said Kyle Rau. “I’m sure that was an emphasis for them this morning. They did a good job of that.”
Wilcox Returns
After sitting out on Thursday, Minnesota backstop, Adam Wilcox, returned to action. It’s certainly encouraging that he won’t be sidelined for an extended period of time. Nick Lehr got the win last night but it is next to impossible to replace Wilcox.
“I thought Adam was good,” said Lucia. “You can’t fault him…He did have limited practice time this week but he looked 100%.”
There were plenty of things wrong with Minnesota’s game and Wilcox wasn’t one of them.
“Adam wasn’t our issue tonight,” said Lucia. “We couldn’t find our game tonight. I think a lot of credit goes to how Michigan State played.”
Draeger’s Homecoming
Minnesota Wild draft pick and Minnesota native, John Draeger, scored Michigan State’s first goal. The defensive-minded blueliner had scored just one goal in 88 career games, something his coach was happy to see changed on Friday.
“It was like a root canal finally coming to fruition,” joked Anastos. “It was nice, especially at home. It’s his home state, Minnesota Wild draft pick. The kid works his tail off every single day and it was really nice to see him get rewarded.”
By the Numbers
1 Powerplay for the Spartans and it was a costly one as Hudson Fasching left the Gophers shorthanded with just 1:52 left. MSU would capitalize and put the game out of reach.
10 Margin that Michigan State outshot Minnesota on Friday.
4 Games in a row that the Gophers have allowed the first goal.
Three Stars of the Game
#3 Kyle Rau scored both Gopher goals.
#2 Michael Ferrantino scored the game-winner in the third.
#1 Ryan Keller added a goal and an assist.
What’s Next
Minnesota will travel to Columbus for a two-game stint against Ohio State. Friday’s game will be at 4:00 CT on ESPNU while Saturday will be at 5:00 CT on ESPNEWS.