Spartans Fail to Earn Sweep Against Buckeyes

Consistency continues to elude the Michigan State hockey team. After skating to an impressive 3-1 victory over Ohio State on Thursday night, the Spartans had a momentous opportunity to earn a sweep and start turning the corner. The Buckeyes had other plans however, as Ohio State shutout the Spartans 3-0 on Friday night .

After a scoreless first period, Ohio State opened the scoring early in the second. A two-on-one shot by Matt Johnson initially was ruled a no-goal, but after a video review on the next stoppage it was ruled that Johnson had indeed beat MSU goalie Jake Hildebrand. That made it 1-0 OSU 2:16 into the second period.

Later in the period, Ohio State stuck again on the power play off of a redirect by Nick Schilkey. Again the goal was reviewed and again the replay favored the home team.

Leading 2-0 in the third period, the Buckeyes stuck the final death nail after the Spartan net became dislodged and Darik Angeli shot the puck into the net.

After a lengthy review, the goal was upheld due to the ruling that the net was dislodged as a result of a Spartan pushing a Buckeye into the net, as per a recent rule change in the offseason, the goal was allowed.

Michigan State peppered Buckeye goaltender Matt Tompkins for the remainder of the period, and most of the game, but had nothing to show for it. The Spartans outshot the Buckeyes 29-28 in the contest.

MSU is now 4-0 when scoring first, 0-7 when surrendering the first goal to the opponent. The Spartans now return to East Lansing with the corner, and consistency, nowhere in sight.

Michigan State is now 1-1-0 in conference, 4-7-0 overall.


Jason Ruff is the host of Behind the Mask for Impact Sports.

Photo: Jonathan Yales/Impact Sports