Saturday, October 13, 2012

Mavericks 2, Chargers 2 (OT)

Eriah Hayes' goal with 2:14 remaining in the third period forced overtime and helped Minnesota State salvage a 2-2 tie with Alabama Huntsville on Saturday night.

The star of the game was Chargers goaltender John Griggs who stopped 51 of 53 shots and had 90 saves for the weekend. Perhaps it was no big deal that his predecessor transfered to North Dakota when it appeared that UAH's program was on the chopping block.

Hayes redirected in a shot by Zach Palmquist, and Evan Mosey had the assist. Johnny McInnis scored MSU's other goal with help from Teddy Blueger and Brett Stern. That goal made it 1-1 in the second period.

"For me, we still found a way to tie the game," coach Mike Hastings said in a phone call afterward. "I'm going to look at the positive."

Freshman goalie Stephon Williams made his collegiate debut and stopped 22 shots, including four in overtime. Both Huntsville goals were even-strength.

The Mavericks had 21 shots on goal in the third period and finished 0 for 6 on the power play.

"We've got to focus on getting a little bit dirty, getting to the dirty areas and getting those second and third (scoring) opportunities," Hastings said. "When you go oh-for on the power play, that can come back to bite you."

All in all, it sounds like a decent debut for coach Mike Hastings with a win and a tie on the road. Minnesota State (1-0-1) will return to Mankato and host Rensselaer on Friday and Saturday night.

More here.

3 comments:

MSU Grad 97 said...

Sounds like the old problem of not getting the easy ones up close on the rebounds is still an issue with this team. They need the Shaq Diesel in the middle to slam the rebounds home. Put the big men on the power play lines in the middle during practice this week and make them do it time and time again without whiffing.

BIGhkyfan said...

You are spot on. Yet hard to see from the webcast. They looked like ants.
The PP needs some minor tweaking.
looking forward to next weekend.
GO MAVS!

hockeyfan said...

While dissapointed with the tie it is a new coach and lots of young players. They should get better every week given Hastings coaching. The biggest thing to smile about is Wisconsin and St.Cloud being 0 and 2. Really suprised they both dropped both games. Just makes my heart warm all over.