Bowling Green Splits Series at #9 Michigan

Saturday, January 26

Ann Arbor, Mich.

7:30 PM

Bowling Green State University

Michigan

January 26, 2002 | Ice Hockey

Jan. 26, 2002

Final Stats

Ann Arbor, Mich. - Bowling Green State University split its weekend series at ninth-ranked Michigan after a 3-2 loss on Saturday night in Yost Ice Arena, in front of 6,526 in attendance. A late third-period goal by the host Wolverines was the difference despite a hard-fought game by the Falcons.

After holding the Wolverines scoreless for over 30 minutes during the second and third periods, UM defenseman Mike Komisarek's goal at 16:32 in the third period gave the hosts the final 3-2 decision.

"I thought our guys played their hearts out," said BGSU coach Buddy Powers. "They made a play at the end of the game. The game came down to a big play by one of their big-time guys. He made a nice move on our D and made a perfect shot against the grain.

"We did a lot of good things defensively. They (Michigan) came with a great pace tonight. We kept the puck in the perimeter and cleared it when we had the opportunity to. They're not one of the top teams in the league for nothing."

For the second night in a row, Bowling Green gained the upper hand first on the Wolverines. Sophomore Roger Leonard redirected a pass that freshman Steve Brudzewski sent in from the left circle, giving the Falcons a 1-0 advantage at 6:43 in the first period. Leonard's fifth goal of the year came from the right-side of the crease and was also assisted by senior Ryan Wetterberg. It marked the sixth time in the last seven games that BGSU struck first against its opponent.

Komisarek evened the game up, however, at 13:28 of the first period for his seventh goal of the season. UM outshot the Falcons 8-4 in the opening period and both teams went to their lockerooms in a 1-1 tie.

The Wolverines (14-8-5 overall, 11-5-4 CCHA) would take its first lead of the weekend early in the second period with a 3-on-5 power play goal from Eric Nystrom at 5:10, giving UM a 2-1 lead. The two-man UM advantage was created after penalties by Grady Moore (3:11) and Steve Brudzewski (3:56).

However, the Falcons responded. Less than two minutes later, sophomore D'Arcy McConvey notched his sixth goal of the year at 7:04 to knot the game at 2-2. McConvey's forehander went top shelf past UM's Blackburn for the score. Greg Day and Scott Hewson assisted on the goal.

From there BGSU held strong for the remainder of the second period, thanks to tough team defense and the play of goalie Tyler Masters who turned away nine shots in the period. UM outshot Bowling Green 10-8 in the second period.

The team defense held strong for most of the third period while the Falcon offense outshot Michigan 11-7 in the final 20 minutes. Bowling Green allowed just 25 shots by Michigan while taking 23 of their own on goal. Masters finished with 22 saves and Blackburn had 21.

"I thought he played another tremendous game for us," Powers said of his junior goalie. "He gave us a chance to win."

"I told the guys that if we bring this energy and emotion to the table every night, we'll win our share of games in the last 10. It's a tough pill to swallow tonight."

Michigan head coach Red Berenson agreed.

"Bowling Green is like everyone else in this league -- they are as good as anybody," said Berenson. "I guess they have had a little trouble scoring but they play hard, they play physical. I like the way they play, they are well coached. They are doing everything else, they just aren't putting the puck in the net. Last night they got the goals they needed. If they play like that every night they are a good hockey team and don't deserve to be in 11th place."

On the bright side, Powers was happy with the way his team carried over its energy from Friday night's 4-2 win into Saturday's contest.

"This is the first time we sustained (our intensity) for over six periods," said Powers. We've had it for games at a time but we haven't had it for a full weekend. This is the first time we've had it for a full weekend."

The Falcons (7-16-5 overall, 5-11-2 CCHA) return to BGSU Ice Arena next weekend for a CCHA series with Western Michigan, Feb. 1 and 2. Both night's faceoffs are scheduled for 7:05 p.m. against the Broncos, who sit just ahead of Bowling Green in the CCHA standings.