Spartans fly over Falcons

By Brittany McCormick –

EAST LANSING – The excitement continued for the third straight game in Munn Ice Arena, as the Spartans posted a dominating 5-1 win over Bowling Green.

Michigan State had four different players notch a goal and an assist each, while senior defenseman Matt Crandell led the team with three assists. Senior goaltender Drew Palmisano recorded 21 saves to earn his fourth win of the season.

“I’m definitely happy with the result,” MSU coach Tom Anastos said. “In this case tonight, I think fortunately, we recognized some little details that we got away from doing, particularly in that first period, fortunately that didn’t cost us and hopefully we can still learn from. Overall, I’m very happy with the result. I would like to see us improve our game to have a more complete game.”

Junior forward Kevin Walrod wasted no time getting the game started, notching a goal just 20 seconds after the puck dropped for the opening face-off.

“It was nice to get one on that first shift,” said freshman forward Matt Berry, who tallied an assist on Walrod’s goal. “It’s always good to get one right away off the start. Just all around good work today.”

The Spartans would extend their lead five minutes later, when junior forward Dean Chelios snuck one past goaltender Andrew Hammond.

Bowling Green’s Ted Pletsch – son of CCHA commissioner Fred Pletsch – made sure the Falcon’s wouldn’t go into intermission shut out by tallying a goal two minutes before the break.

Anastos said that adjustments were made heading into the second period.

“I thought in the second and third period we definitely played better,” Anastos said. “I thought in the first period we got away from the little things that we need to do if we are going to be a decent team. I thought we improved that in the second and third.”

Senior forward Brett Perlini was able to provide spark for the offense in the second period during a Falcon power play. After streaking down the middle of the ice, the forward took a shot that rebounded off of Hammond’s pads and back onto his stick. Perlini was able to find the back of the net, notching the Spartans’ second shorthanded goal of the season.

“We got those first two goals quickly and after that, with the effort level, we kind of sunk into a grove there,” Perlini said. “We weren’t too happy about that but we had a good second and third there. We worked really hard and we got it right back.”

Berry, along with fellow freshman forward Brent Darnell, exemplified tonight exactly how well they are adjusting to hockey at the college level. The duo were two of the four Spartans to record a goal and an assist. Berry’s tally came in the second period, while Darnell notched his second goal of the season late in the third frame. Berry and Darnell each have had a point in three of the last four games.

“We’ve probably had some slow starts for both of us here, but to just keep working and keep battling through, we were fortunate enough to put a few in here the past few games,” Darnell said. “We just have to keep our heads on right and keep working. Things will keep happening for us. All the guys are great. Sometimes I don’t even feel like a freshman, we all treat everyone the same here. It really does make you feel proud of yourself and your class. Everyone is kind of getting on the board there and contributing in different ways.”

The two teams conclude their series Saturday night at Munn at 6:05 p.m.