Icers overcome penalties to win shootout
SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State scored a short-handed goal during the first period, killed off seven minutes of penalties during the last nine minutes of play and survived an injury scare with freshman goaltender Kevin Kapalka, but managed to tie Michigan State, 2-2, in overtime and win the shootout, 2-1, Saturday at Taffy Abel Arena.
LSSU (6-11-5 overall, 4-8-4-3 Central Collegiate Hockey Association), which was bolstered by the largest home crowd since February, 2000, got shootout goals from Schofield and Ben Power, while Kapalka stopped three of four MSU attempts.
Kapalka apparently dislocated his shoulder when MSU's Greg Wolfe scored a shootout goal during the Spartans' second attempt. Back-up goaltender Niels-Erik Ravn entered the net in place of Kapalka, but by the time MSU was ready for its third attempt, Kapalka returned to the net. Brett Perlini's shot was wide. Kapalka stopped MSU's fourth attempt by Joey Shean and injured his shoulder again. Ravn was ready to go, but Power secured the win on the Lakers' fourth attempt.
More than 3,360 fans watched the Lakers come from behind twice during regulation. Schofield's unassisted short-handed goal tied it, 1-1, at 15:11 of the first period. Michigan State (9-11-4 overall, 5-9-2-0 CCHA) took a 2-1 lead on Derek Grant's power-play goal at 16:32.
LSSU's Nick McParland tied it, 2-2, with an even-strength goal at 11:26 of the second period. Kyle Haines and Matt Bruneteau drew the assists.
The Lakers were 0-for-1 on the power play, getting their only man-advantage at 4:54 of the third period. LSSU's Dan Radke picked up a five-minute major and game disqualification at 15:48 of the third, and McParland was whistled for high sticking at 2:03 of the overtime period. LSSU played 2:48 of the five-minute overtime period a man short.
LSSU's impressive penalty killing effort left the Spartans' power play 1-for-6 for the night. LSSU coach Jim Roque received a five-minute major for unsportsmanlike conduct and a game misconduct at the end of the game after confronting officials in defense of his players.
Kapalka (5-6-4-3) totaled 31 saves, including 12 during the third period. MSU rookie goaltender Will Yanakeff (3-1-1) totaled 34 saves.
LSSU, which improved its home-ice record to 5-3-4, plays host to Western Michigan at 7:05 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21.
