First round to Michigan State. The Spartans defeated the Buckeyes 3-1 in tonight's Big Ten hockey opener. Villiam Haag put the visitors on the board midway through the first period. Ohio State goalie Matt Tomkins overcommitted a bit on the shot and wasn't able to recover in time.
| goals by period | 1 | 2 | 3 | final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Ohio State | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
That would turn out to be the only goal support MSU netminder Jake Hildebrand needed, though Michigan State would chip in another two tallies. Buckeye killer Matt Berry converted the Spartans' initial power play opportunity. Brent Darnell added an even strength score early in the third period.
With Tomkins pulled for the extra-attacker, the Buckeyes put in a late game surge. Tyler Lundey spoiled Hildebrand's shutout bid with a little over two minutes to play in the game. The goal was the junior's second of the season.
While the effort was too little too late for this game, it may provide a bit of a boost for the beleaguered Bucks heading into tomorrow night's contest. The teams return to action tomorrow night at 7pm.
