MSU finishes fourth, splits with BGSU

Michigan State wrapped up a top-four finish in the CCHA standings with a 5-3 victory at Bowling Green on Friday evening.

The decision snapped a four-game winless skid for the Spartans as senior Chris Snavely potted his first goal of the season, the eventual game-winner, for the win.

MSU then fell, 2-1, Saturday night at home to the Falcons.

Friday, Justin Abdelkader, Chris Mueller, Bryan Lerg and Jim McKenzie also scored to back Jeff Lerg's 22-save performance.

Saturday, Michigan State suffered its first loss on a senior night in its last eight tries as junior Jeff Dunne (pictured), with his first collegiate goal, scored for the Spartans and Lerg made 20 saves.

"Obviously, now we have to win the CCHA tournament in order to make the NCAA tournament, but talk is useless right now," MSU head coach Rick Comley said. "I thought there was a very poor energy level out of a lot of people, not across the board though. Jeff Lerg always comes and plays and (defenseman Brandon) Gentile came and played and (defenseman Mike) Ratchuk always tries to make things happen. But every team, no matter what the sport, has four or five guys that have to be good players every night, and if they're not, then it's really tough."

Michigan State (19-12-3, 15-10-3 CCHA) will look to regroup during its bye week and will ready for the quarterfinal round at Munn Arena March 9-11.