Michigan State University
Ohio State
Spartans Top OSU in Big Ten Opener, 3-1
11/20/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Goaltender Jake Hildebrand's 34-save performance helped the Michigan State hockey team defeat Ohio State, 3-1, in the opening game of the Big Ten slate on Thursday night at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Villiam Haag, Matt Berry and Brent Darnell all scored goals as MSU improved to 4-6 with the win.
"Overall it was a good performance," MSU head coach Tom Anastos said. "To get out of here with a win tonight is certainly a good start to our Big Ten season."
Ohio State (3-7-1, 0-1) pressured the Spartans through a most of the initial half of the opening period, but MSU was able to weather the storm and keep the Buckeyes from getting on the board first.
The Spartans didn't get their first shot on goal until just before the midway point of the period when Connor Wood's attempt from just off the top crease was stopped by OSU goaltender Matt Tompkins.
Michigan State gained some momentum off Wood's close call and made good at the 12:03 mark when Haag scored to make it 1-0. Carson Gatt took control of the puck between the boards and the circle along the left side in the OSU zone and flung it toward the net. Haag pounced on the loose puck and put it upstairs for his second of the season.
"Haag has a good shot and it was good to see him get one," Anastos said.
The Spartans took advantage of the game's first power play and made it 2-0 at the 6:47 mark of the second period. MSU kept the puck moving in the OSU zone for most of the man advantage and with four seconds to go on the penalty, Berry scored his sixth of the season. Berry walked in from the left circle and ripped a snap shot from the faceoff dot that got over Tomkins' glove in a hurry and into the upper right corner of the net.
Travis Walsh and Michael Ferrantino picked up assists on the Berry goal, which was the sixth of his career against the Buckeyes.
"Sometimes you play in rinks and just have a good feeling. Hopefully, he can keep that up in this rink through tomorrow," Anastos said.
After facing just two shots through the first half of the second stanza, Hildebrand took on more work as the period progressed. The Buckeyes generated several opportunities deep in Spartan territory, including a prime chance off the stick of Darik Angeli from the low slot that Hildebrand snagged.
"It was nice to see us create some offense, but as a goaltender you have to stay ready and focused because every game you're going to be called upon to make some saves like tonight," Hildebrand said. "Our defense stepped up and did a great job.
"There were a lot of scrambles tonight and our defensemen did a great job of clearing bodies out in front of the net."
The Spartans took a 3-0 lead just over three minutes into the third period when Darnell got his first of the season. Ferrantino and Berry worked to get the puck to Darnell down low, just off to the left of Tomkins. Dranell didn't waste any time and sent the puck into the top corner of the net.
Trailing by three and with Tomkins pulled for the extra attacker, OSU snapped Hildebrand's shutout bid at the 17:27 mark when Tyler Lundey scored from a sharp angle on the left side.
The Spartans fended off one final Buckeye push in the closing minute, preserving the 3-1 win.
MSU killed all three Buckeye power plays in the game, including one in the closing minutes.
"We've been in a lot of close games and haven't won special teams," Anastos said. "Tonight, we got a power-play goal and didn't give up any while shorthanded, so that was a good thing."
The Spartans and Buckeyes will meet again on Friday at 7 p.m.
