Huskies sweep Falcons after high scoring Game 2
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bowling Green (13-23-1) | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
|
Michigan Tech (17-14-6) | 1 | 4 | 1 | 6 |
HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech hockey team advanced to the CCHA Semifinal for the third year in a row after sweeping Bowling Green Saturday at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. The Huskies had to climb out of a two-goal deficit and ended the season for the Falcons with a 6-5 win.
Tech awaits its opponent and location for its next round game. If St. Thomas wins a Game 3 over Lake Superior State, the Huskies will travel to Mendota Heights to take on the Tommies. Tech will host Minnesota State if the Lakers win.
"It was certainly an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least," Tech coach Joe Shawhan said. "Bowling Green gave everything they had in an elimination game. Elimination games can take on a life of their own. It came down to a last shot, and we scored the last shot."
After a wild second period that saw six goals, Tech entered the third period with a 4-3 lead. The Falcons quickly tied it up when Brett Pfoh scored from Jaden Grant 2:00 into the third.
The Huskies drew a penalty after Isaac Gordon was interfered with 8:26 on the clock. Tyrone Bronte buried the go-ahead goal with the goaltender down and out, but the play was challenged and waved off for goaltender interference.
BGSU was whistled on another penalty with 2:45 left and this time the Huskies capitalized for the game-winner. Chase Pietila fed the puck down to Ryland Mosley for a one-timer from the faceoff dot to the left of the goaltender. The puck went under the goalie and in for Mosley's second of the game with 63 seconds left. Nick Williams also assisted on the play.
The Falcons pulled their goaltender late but never got quality offensive control, and the Huskies swept a CCHA Quarterfinal series for the third straight season.
"There was momentum swinging both ways," Gordon said. "We kept our emotions steady throughout and capitalized on our opportunities. We have to prepare this week like we did last week and come every day looking to learn. We need to be ready to give everything we have next weekend."
The Falcons scored the first two goals of the game to take the energy out of the building. Ethan Scardina opened scoring from Brandon Santa Juana and Brody Waters 3:38 into the game.
Spencer Kersten added to the lead with a power-play goal from Ethan Scardina and Brett Pfoh at 7:26.
Tech got one back before the end of the period when Blais Richartz scored his second goal in the last three games after he caught a pass from Nick Williams and wristed a shot five-hole. It was his third of the season and fourth of his career with Chase Pietila also assisting.
The Huskies started the second on a power play and tied the game with a one-timer by Isaac Gordon from Tyrone Bronte and Logan Pietila 32 seconds after intermission. It was Gordon's team-leading 18th of the season and his third straight game with a goal.
Ryland Mosley gave Tech its first lead of the night eight seconds later when he slipped a shot under the goalie as he was being hooked for his first of two on the night. Max Koskipirtti and Arvid Caderoth assisted on Mosley's 16th of the season and second of the series.
BGSU then scored a pair of goals to take its lead back in the second. Brett Pfoh tied the game at 8:49 of the second from Jaden Grant and Tommy Pasanen.
Ben Doran gave the visitors the lead with a power-play goal from Michael Bevilacqua and Eric Parker at 10:53.
The Huskies scored twice in 61 seconds to take the lead again. Tyrone Bronte scored a 5-on-3 power play goal, burying a rebound after a shot by Logan Pietila at 17:39. Isaac Gordon added the second assisted on Bronte's sixth of the season and 14th of his career.
"I have guys around me who can make plays on the power play. I just have to stand there and find loose pucks," Bronte said. "I rebounded tonight and played pretty well compared to last night. Tonight's game reminded me of the MacNaughton Cup out in Mankato."
Jack Works added the fifth tally with a power play goal at the side of the net from Isaac Gordon and Matthew Campbell at 18:40. It was the ninth goal of the season for Works and the 17th of his career.
Tech led in shots 40-15. Blake Pietila had 10 saves for his 74th career win. Christian Stoever stopped 34 shots for the Falcons.
Tech was 4-for-6 on the power play and BGSU was 2-for-2.
The Huskies are 17-14-6 overall. BGSU finished 13-22-1 and ended on a six-game losing streak with four of the losses to Tech.
