Michigan Tech 5 Bemidji State 4 (OT): Game Notes

Michigan Tech traveled to Bemidji State for the first of a two-game series against the Beavers, in a game where both teams desperately needed some points. It looked like it would be Bemidji's night as they jumped out to to a 4-1 lead in the second period, but Michigan Tech clawed their way back, forcing overtime with a late power play goal, and netting the overtime winner to steal two points.

Michigan Tech dominated the majority of the first period. They got an early power play goal on a seemingly innocent shot from the point by Steven Seigo, and kept Bemidji State from even registering a shot on goal until the second half of the period. But the final four minutes of the period were a different story. While on the power play, Danny Mattson took advantage of a missed clearing attempt by a Tech defenseman and fed a nice pass to Aaron McLeod for a goal, and Bob Kinne made a smart play, shooting low far side on a 2-on-1, setting up teammate Jordan George for an easy rebound goal. After dominating the period, Michigan Tech headed to the locker room trailing 2-1.

The second period looked like it would be the same story, with Bemidji State getting another pair of late period goals by Ben Kinne and Jeff Jubinville. But Michigan Tech was able to get a big goal by Blake Pietila with 19 seconds left in the period to swing momentum back to Michigan Tech, and keep them within striking distance heading into the third period.

In the third, highly-touted freshman Jujhar Khaira scored his first two career goals, both on the power play, picking up rebounds in front of the net and depositing them in the net. The second of his two goals tied the game with less than three minutes left in regulation. With momentum on their side, Tech was able to get the overtime goal by Alex Petan off another scramble in front of their net.

It has to be frustrating for Bemidji State to let this one get away, especially after having a three-goal with 21 minutes to play. They were an excellent 2 for 3 on the power play tonight, but allowing 3 power play goals on 5 opportunities, including not being able to kill off the final two penalties they took ended up being the difference.

For Michigan Tech, they were lucky to get back into this game after giving up such a big lead. At their worst, they showed some serious deficiencies on the blue line that aren't likely to be corrected until they can bring in some new players. But they also showed their good side in that they've got a lot of talented forwards that can find ways to put pucks in the net.

These two teams will conclude their series tomorrow evening at 7pm.