Huskies only get 12 shots on goal
MANKATO, Minn. – The Michigan Tech hockey team fell 3-0 in Mankato to No. 14 Minnesota State on Friday. The Mavericks scored a goal in each period to push their unbeaten streak to five games.
Tech fell to 8-4-1 overall and 5-1-1 in the CCHA, and MSU improved to 7-2-4 overall and 4-1-2 in conference play.
“We got what we deserved,” Tech coach Bill Muckalt said. “Our puck management was not good, and we didn’t have the energy we had in practice all week.
“Give Minnesota State credit. They’re a good hockey team, but we’ve got to be better. We’ll take a deep look at video and be ready to go tomorrow night.”
Jack Smith gave the home team the lead with a power-play goal 14:47 into the first period. His first shot was blocked by Jack Anderson, but his second shot found the upper corner of the net. Ralfs Bergmanis and Tristan Lemyre assisted on the play.
The Mavs added to the lead 11:37 into the second when Reid Morich scored on a 2-on-1 rush for his first career goal. Jacob Bonkowski was credited with an assist.
Alex Zetterberg made it 3-0 when he scored on a 3-on-0 rush after a turnover in the neutral zone 9:38 into the third. Luigi Benincasa set up the one-timer with Liam Watkins also assisting.
Shots favored the home team 27-12 with Tech holding a 7-3 advantage in the third period. Max Koskipirtti and Noah Reinhart each had two shots on goal. Owen Bartoszkiewicz made 24 saves for the Huskies, and Alex Tracy earned the shutout, stopping all 12 shots he faced.
Each team was called for one penalty. There were two reviews for major penalties on the Mavericks, but neither went in favor of the Huskies.
The Huskies and Mavericks wrap up the CCHA series on Saturday at 7:07 p.m. Eastern.
