Wildcats Bite Back

Spartans lose second game in three-game series to Northern Michigan 2-1

Game three is necessary. Michigan State fell to Northern Michigan in a tightly played 2-1 loss at Munn Arena Saturday night.

Spartan goaltender Jeff Lerg did his best to keep the Green and White from playing a deciding game Sunday with 28 saves.

The Wildcat goalie, Brian Stewart, outshined his Spartan counterpart, however, turning away 41 MSU shots, including 19 in the third period.

"I thought definitely that he (Northern Michigan goalie Brian Stewart) was much, much better and made a lot of very good saves, for sure." Spartan coach Rick Comley said after the game. "Just before they got the second one, we had multiple chances, but he made a lot of really, really good saves, so give him credit."

Center Mark Oliver put NMU on the board early in the second period with his 20 goal of the season.

MSU answered back near the end of the period with right-winger Tim Crowder's power play goal, his 15 on the season.

But the Spartans could not finish-off NMU. Ray Kaunisto, a Wildcat left-winger, notched his eighth goal of the year and put the Wildcats ahead to stay 8:13 into the third period.

"I didn't think we were sharp all night," Comley said. "We have to be better tomorrow."

The teams will meet for the decisive third game Sunday, again at Munn Arena. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m.

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