MSU earns split on road at Maine

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan State Beat Writer

The winless streak is over for the Michigan State Spartans.

Just one night after topping Maine on the road for their third straight win to open the season, the Spartans couldn't complete the sweep on Saturday evening.

"I thought that some avoidable penalties hurt us (Saturday) night, but it was a hard-fought hockey game on both sides," MSU head coach Rick Comley said. "This is a tough road venue and we knew that Maine would come out hard tonight after losing last night. We got the better end of it last night, they got one tonight."

Corey Tropp, Mike Merrifield (first NCAA goal) and Andrew Rowe scored for the Spartans in the 5-3 loss, while Drew Palmisano finished with 20 saves in goal.

Friday night, Tropp's hat trick powered Michigan State to a 5-3 win of their own.

"I thought tonight was a great hockey game, and it was a great atmosphere," said Comley. "I thought we weathered an early storm and it's good to get this road win. "

Tim Buttery and co-captain Jeff Petry tallied the others to go along with two assists from Derek Grant and 23 saves from Palmisano.

MSU (3-1-0) heads to top-ranked Miami next weekend.