EAST LANSING, Mich. - Colgate was unable to battle back from a three-goal blitz in the opening eight minutes against No. 3 Michigan State and fell 5-2 on Wednesday night at Munn Ice Arena.
COACH HARDER'S COMMENTS
"We lost the game in the first seven minutes when we came out a little intimidated. We will make some adjustments and come out better Friday."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The game began with Michigan State taking an early lead through Owen West's goal at 16:03, followed by Ryker Lee extending the margin at 15:08. Colgate struggled to find their rhythm as the Spartans added a third goal by Eric Nilson at 12:45. Despite the early setbacks, Colgate responded when Jack Brandt scored at 8:28, narrowing the deficit to 3-1. The period concluded with Michigan State leading 3-1, as Colgate prepared to start the second period on a power play due to a penalty against the Spartans.
Colgate began the second period with multiple shot attempts by Isaiah Norlin and Brett Merner, the home team's goalie, Melvin Strahl, remained resolute, denying all scoring opportunities. The Raiders' defensive efforts were highlighted by Reid Dyck's multiple saves, keeping Colgate competitive.
As the period progressed, Colgate's offense struggled to convert during power play opportunities, with their attempts either blocked or saved. Late in the period, the Spartans broke through with a goal by Tiernan Shoudy at 1:49, assisted by Tommi Männistö and West, extending their lead. The period concluded with Colgate trailing 4-1.
After the Spartans took advantage of a power play to make it 5-1, Simone Dadie found the back of the net on a breakaway to cut the deficit to three. The Raiders were unable to manufacture any meaningful scoring chances down the stretch and fell to No. 3 Michigan St., 5-2.
GAME NOTES
- Simone Dadiè scored his first goal of the season.
- Reid Dyck set a season high with 37 saves.
- Jack Brandt scored his team-high sixth goal of the season.
UP NEXT
The Raiders (5-8-2, 3-2-1 ECAC) concludes its two-game series with No. 3 Michigan State on Friday with puck drop set for 4 p.m. at Munn Ice Arena.
