This week we’re introducing a new format for our series coverage on Tech Hockey Guide. Michigan Tech came into its weekend series with Minnesota State 12–12–2 overall and 9–7–2 in the WCHA, good for 7th place. The Huskies split earlier in the season at home with the Mavericks. The result was the same in Mankato as Michigan Tech fell 5–3 on Friday and responded with a 7–3 victory on Saturday.
Friday
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Michigan Tech found itself facing a three-goal deficit in the opening stanza before David Johnstone kicked of a comeback with a top-shelf one-timer. Goals from Rix and Kero in the second period completed the comeback. However, that was the end of the scoring for the Huskies, and Mavericks freshman forward Matt Leitner earned the game winner less than two minutes into the third period. The Huskies outshot Minnesota State 46–39 in the 5–3 loss.
Scoresheet
Coverage
- Huskies stumble against Mavs – The Daily Mining Gazette
- Mavericks finally score a Friday-night win – The Free Press
- Minnesota State Beats Tech 5-3 in WCHA Hockey – Michigan Tech Athletics
- Mavericks Skate Past Huskies, 5-3 – Minnesota State Athletics
Saturday
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After a quick goal by the Mavericks’ Evan Mosey, the Huskies roared back with six goals in the first period. Ryan Furne kicked off the scoring streak with a back-door one-timer off a feed from Brad Stebner. The next goal from Alex MacLeod was originally waved off, but the replay showed that MacLeod gloved the puck to the ice and made contact with his stick before the puck crossed the goal line. Patrick McCadden got a goal and Brett Olson two goals before Mavericks goalie Phil Cook was replaced by Austin Lee. The Huskies led 6–2 after the first period. Bryce Reddick scored on a backhand breakaway shot in the second period to put the Huskies up 7–2. The Mavericks’ bid for a comeback led only to one more goal and the game ended with a 7–3 score.
Scoresheet
Coverage
- Flurry in first nets Huskies a split – Daily Mining Gazette
- Mavericks fall to Michigan Tech 7-3 – The Free Press
- Huskies Net Seven Goals in Win over Minnesota St. – Michigan Tech Athletics
- Huskies Topple Mavericks to Split Series – Minnesota State Athletics
Stick Salute
This week we salute the Huskies’ power play units, who last season operated at pedestrian 15.4%. This weekend the Huskies scored four power play goals in twelve opportunities, good for 33.3%. Great puck movement and awareness has led to a power play success rate of 21.9% for the season; however, in the last three weekend they’ve scored on 33.3% of their opportunities. David Johnstone leads the team with five power play goals across that span; Brett Olson, Ryan Furne, Tanner Kero and Blake Pietila have each chipped in one. With the help from their power play, the Huskies have scored 89 goals and are on pace for their top goal-scoring season since 1998–99.
Brandon is a 2010 graduate of Michigan Tech. He co-founded Tech Hockey Guide with Tim Braun as a outlet to expand the coverage of Michigan Tech Hockey. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon with his wife Lindsey and corgis Quincy and Niko.
