Spartans score twice in the third period to secure win :: LSSU concludes first half of schedule at UNO

Dec. 1, 2007

SAULT STE. MARIE - Fifth-ranked Michigan State scored three unanswered goals, including two in the third period by Bryan Lerg, to secure a 5-2 victory over Lake Superior State on Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena.

MSU swept the series and improved to 10-3-2 overall and 6-2-1 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. LSSU (2-11-1 overall, 0-8-0 CCHA) has one more chance to put points on the CCHA board during the first half of the season when it travels to Nebraska-Omaha on Dec. 7-8.

Michigan State's Michael Ratchuk scored the game's first goal at 17:34 of the first period. LSSU freshman Rick Schofield tied it, 1-1, with a power-play goal at 7:01 of the second period. Zac MacVoy and Simon Gysbers drew assists.

MSU's Tim Crowder scored a power-play goal at 10:01 of the middle stanza, but Laker Nathan Perkovich answered with an even-strength goal 35 seconds later. Dillin Stonehouse and Troy Schwab assisted on Perkovich's ninth goal of the season and second of the series.

MSU's Tim Kennedy scored the game-winner at 15:02 of the second period. Bryan Lerg's goals were scored at 2:32 and 11:39 of the third period. Matt Schepke assisted on both Lerg goals.

MSU goaltender Jeff Lerg totaled 24 saves, while Pat Inglis had 36 saves for the Lakers. The Spartans were 2-for-8 on the power play, and LSSU was 1-for-4. Lake Superior State picked up two penalties during the final four and one-half minutes, which thwarted attempts to score with an extra attacker. MSU out-shot LSSU 19-5 in the third period.