Huskies Score Early And Hold On To Defeat Falcons

Friday, November 13

Houghton, Mich.

7:07 PM

Bowling Green State University

4-3-3 (1-2-2)

Michigan Tech

6-3-0 (6-3-0)

Bowling Green

Michigan Tech

November 13, 2015 | Ice Hockey

Box Score

By: by Jason Knavel, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications

Boxscore

Houghton, Mich. – Michigan Tech's Cliff Watson scored 22 seconds into the first period and the No. 20-ranked Huskies held on to beat No. 15 Bowling Green 2-0 Friday evening in college hockey action. BGSU goalie Chris Nell made a career-high 39 saves in defeat.

Watson scored on a wrister from the point on the Huskies' second shot of the game to give Michigan Tech the early lead. That remained the only score for most of the contest as the Falcons looked for the game-tying tally throughout the evening but was unable to answer. Bowling Green was scoreless on four power play chances when trailing by one and had another after Michigan Tech took a 2-0 lead with 3:16 remaining in regulation.

The early goal was part of a heavy flurry from the opening faceoff as Michigan Tech earned the first eight shots of the contest. By the end of the first period, the Falcons had leveled the ice and the Huskies had a 12-7 edge in shots through 20 minutes.

Michigan Tech outshot the Falcons 14-9 in the second frame as the Falcons tried to get the equalizer but the Huskies really took control in the third. Michigan Tech had a 15-6 shots advantage in the final 20 minutes for a 41-22 final total. Jamie Phillips made all 22 saves for his eighth career shutout, breaking the MTU school record.

While Bowling Green's defense has solidified over the past few weeks, the Falcons have struggled offensively, scoring just six goals in the last five games. Senior Ben Murphy, who was scratched in the Falcons' 1-1 tie against Lake Superior State to conclude the past weekend, led the team with six shots on goal. No other Falcon generated more than three shots.

"We didn't win enough battles to create enough offense," BGSU head coach Chris Bergeron said. "We were too perimeter-oriented tonight. We had three power plays in the first period and only got two shots off of those. We're a group that's trying to figure things out. The only way we know how to figure it out is to stick to the details."

Sophomore Mark Friedman anchored a defensive effort that blocked 16 shots. He had three blocks himself, as did freshman forward John Schilling. The Falcons struggled in the faceoff circle as well, losing 35-of-58 chances.

With the win, Michigan Tech improves to 6-3-0 overall and has the same record in WCHA play. Bowling Green's three-game unbeaten streak is snapped and the Falcons fall to 4-3-3 overall and 1-2-2 in WCHA play. The two teams will meet again Saturday night at 7:07 pm to conclude the weekend series.