Lakers sweep Spartans in back-to-back games for the first time since 1989

SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State scored four unanswered goals to rally back from a 2-0 first-period deficit and beat Michigan State 4-2 Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena.

The second-biggest crowd of the year (3,100 fans) saw the Lakers sweep MSU in back-to-back games for the first time since February, 1989. It was their first home sweep against the Spartans since February, 1988.

Michigan State (7-18-3 overall, 4-13-2-2 Central Collegiate Hockey Association) was 1-for-4 on the power play and scored a short-handed goal to take a 2-0 lead during the opening period. LSSU's Steven Kaunisto cut the lead in half with a power-play goal at 19:30 of the first period.

Laker Brad Cooper tied it 2-2 at 11:27 of the second period, and Will Acton scored what proved to be the game-winning goal at 17:41. Both were even-strength markers.

Nathan Perkovich scored a power-play goal at 7:36 of the third period to finish off the scoring.

Perkovich and Cooper both had a goal and two assists for the night, while Rick Schofield assisted on the Lakers' last three goals. Dillin Stonehouse added a single assist.

LSSU (9-11-8 overall, 6-8-6-1 CCHA) was 2-for-8 on the power play, while MSU was 1-for-8. The Lakers out-shot the Spartans 39-38. Six of LSSU's 11 third-period shots, including Perkovich's goal, occurred during a five-minute major.

Lake Superior State goaltender Pat Inglis totaled a season-high 36 saves and improved to 3-3-2 with his second straight win. MSU goaltender Jeff Lerg (6-16-1) totaled 35 saves.

Kurt Kivisto scored the Spartans' short-handed goal and had an assist to lead MSU.

The Lakers travel to Michigan on Feb. 6-7.

Box Score