Bemidji State Bullies Men's Hockey In Weekend Sweep
Mavericks' fourth ranked power-play stumbles as Beavers use size, experience to win both games in non-conference series
by Dan Myers
Issue date: 11/7/06 Section: Mens Sports
For the first time this season, it was clear the Minnesota State men's hockey team missed David Backes and Ryan Carter.
Sure, Backes and Carter would have contributed in the scoring parade last weekend against North Dakota, but it was MSU's series this weekend against Bemidji State where the former Mavs would have been most useful. The defending CHA champion Beavers, chalk full of veterans ready to dictate the style of play, did just that, winning a pair of one-goal games by simply wearing out the younger and less experienced Mavericks.
"Those guys would have been great this weekend," said MSU head coach Troy Jutting. "This was a tough, physical battle and they would have excelled. This was their kind of game."
This season's version of the Mavericks is noticeably faster, but not nearly as physical or seasoned. BSU used this to their advantage, limiting scoring chances and shutting down what Jutting likes to call the "red zone" - an area from the top of the circles, through the slot, areas where teams will find their best scoring chances.
"Give Bemidji credit, they did a nice job defensively," Jutting said. "They made the plays they needed to make and we did not.
"That is a national tournament team that lost two guys. I give them all the credit in the world."
The Beavers also did a good job shutting down the Mavericks power-play, which came into the weekend ranked No. 4 in the nation. But with the middle of the rink shut down by BSU's rangy defensemen, the Mavericks had few quality opportunities en route to a
0-7 performances with the man advantage both nights.
"They did a great job of shutting us down," said Mavericks forward Travis Morin. "The things we were getting before, like bounces in front of the net, we weren't getting. That is a credit to them."
MSU was finally able to solve its first period scoring hex, finding the net in the opening frame both games this weekend. And while Saturday's opening frame was still less than stellar, the Mavericks may have had their best opening period of the season Saturday.
"It was obviously big, just because of how bad we were over the last few weekends," Morin said. "It's something you have to do. We can't keep putting ourselves behind the eight-ball. It's hurt us already, but [Saturday] we just couldn't capitalize on it."
The Beavers fell behind 1-0 both nights but fought back for wins in each game. Fueled by a single goal in each period, BSU fell behind twice but tied the game each time. They took their first lead 57 seconds into the third on a Shane Holman short-handed goal. But Steve Wagner tied the game for MSU seven minutes later, sending the game to overtime. But it was Garrett Roth who ended the game just before the halfway point of the overtime period, giving the Beavers a 4-3 win.
Saturday's game also started with MSU scoring first, and the Mavs held the lead at intermission 1-0. The Beavers sandwiched a Morin goal in the second, including another short-handed effort which tied the game at one, before scoring the game winner at 5:14 of the third period.
Dan Tormey made 28 saves Friday, but Jutting gave the start to Chris Clark Saturday. The senior from San Mateo, Calif. made 24 saves in the losing effort in Game 2.
"We played better [Saturday]," Jutting said. "We battled for pucks, but we didn't make plays in their end."
Jutting and the Mavericks return to WCHA action this weekend with the final two games of a six game home stand against Alaska-Anchorage. Face-off from Midwest Wireless Civic Center is scheduled for 7:37 p.m. Friday and 7:07 p.m. Saturday.
Dan Myers is the Reporter Sports Editor