Tonight's contest between the Bowling Green Falcons and the Michigan State
Spartans (also the contest btw. U of M and LSSU) saw two incredibly
well-matched teams battle for the spot in the Championship game. Unfortunately
for BG, their lackluster 1st period doomed them to finish on the short end.
For those in attendance, or viewing on TV, this game, as the one preceding it,
was a nailbiter to the end.
There's not a lot to say except that if the Falcons had played the first 20
minutes like the last 54, they probably could have taken the game. MSU scored
three goals without a single score from BG, and then BG reversed the trend by
scoring three unanswered goals to tie and send the game to overtime. MSU had
the final word on a breakaway at 14:59 of the overtime to win. Both goalies
looked excellent and came up big repeatedly for their teams.
MSU opened with a goal from Rem Murray precipitated by BG's failure to clear
the zone and allowing too many chances down close. The only other score came
on the power play when Dean Sylvester manages to catch Mike Watt's shot from
the point in mid-air and tip it into the goal (an unbelievable re-direct). BG
also manages to dodge a bullet at the end of the period when Matt Eldred
flagrantly hooks a MSU player around the neck (one of the stupidest moves I've
seen in a long time - and dangerous too). I don't know what explanation went
on, but not only did BG escape the major (or DQ) - they didn't even call a
penalty (hopefully someone can explain this one someday to me?!?) Also of
interest - Linesman Kelly took a hit above the eye midway through the period,
and was replaced for almost all of the 2nd period by Linesman Dorblzewski (sp?)
from the 1st game - while Kelly (apparently) got stitches.
The second period again started with MSU as Will Clarke comes way out of
position to play a puck coming into the zone and gets burned by Richard Keyes.
Here the game turns in BG's favor, though (and there were many of us who were
beginning to wonder). Mike Johnson makes an excellent stretch going down to
poke the puck out of the BG zone. It is pushed ahead perfectly to a waiting
Mike Hall who runs with it on the breakaway. BG follows this up with their 2nd
when Matt Eldred centers the puck from the point to Kevin Lune, who, facing
backward flings the puck behind him towards the net to score.
It takes most of the 3rd period to accomplish it, but the Falcons manage to tie
the game when Brian Holzinger manages to redirect Kelly Perrault's shot between
Mike Buzak's legs.
Once again, we were to sit on edge and be treated to some fine playmaking as
both teams go at it in the overtime, but Steve Guolla was to end the game with
his one-on-one shot low left at 14:59.
Scoring
1st Period
MSU Murray / Sylvester / Suk 2:55
MSU Sylvester / Watt / Keyes 12:09 PP
2nd Period
MSU Keyes / Tuzzolino / Sullivan 5:36
BG Hall / Johnson 9:45
BG Lune / Eldred / Ackerman 15:12
3rd Period
BG Holzinger / Perrault / Fry 16:27
Overtime
MSU Guolla / Tuzzolino 14:59
Penalties
1st Period
MSU Crane Boarding 4:50
MSU Sullivan Holding 9:30
BG Johnson Tripping 11:54
BG Eldred Hooking 12:57
BG Perrault Hooking 16:05
MSU Berens Cross-Checking 16:49 4/4
BG Holzinger Interference 17:13 4/3
2nd Period
MSU Clarke Interference 2:51
MSU Harlton Interference 7:10
BG Perrault Tripping 10:08
BG Crombeen Hooking 15:40
3rd Period
BG Lune Holding 7:52
BG Johnson Hooking 19:13
Overtime
MSU Smith Hooking 6:20
Saves: Clarke (BG) 14 5 8 1 28 Total
Buzak (MSU) 7 10 9 9 35 Total
Power Play BG 0/5 MSU 1/8
Referee: Matt Shegos; Linesmen: Kelly (Dorblzewski), Schug
Time: 3:13
****Hobey Baker Watch****
Brian Holzinger scored 1 goal tonight. This week he also raked in 1st Team
CCHA, All-Academic Team (3rd year in a row), and Player of the Year!
****Falcon Dominance****
Kelly Perrault also earned Best Offensive Defenseman, and Buddy Powers earned
CCHA Coach of the Year!
- Dean Bell
BGSU Falcon Hockey Is Back Where It Belongs
Brian Holzinger for Hobey Baker!
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