Sunday, November 13, 2011

Buckeyes sweep away Wildcats

By Susannah Nichols/ Northern Michigan Beat Writer

Northern Michigan's trip to Columbus yielded lackluster results: the Wildcats fell to the Buckeyes twice, both times to the tune of a 4-1 score.

Stephan Vigier got Friday's game moving in the right direction: his goal gave the 'Cats a 1-0 lead late in the first period. Kory Kaunisto earned an assist on the play. But the Buckeyes owned the next two periods; they outshot the 'Cats 33-7 and scored four unanswered goals.

Reid Ellingson, in net for the 'Cats, finished with 34 saves.

Ellingson got the start on Saturday but was replaced in the second period by Jared Coreau after the Buckeyes got out to a 2-0 lead. He left the game with 19 saves.

After Northern managed only eight shots in the first two periods (to the Buckeyes' 31!), Dylan Walchuk got things going for the 'Cats in the third. With some help from Reed Seckel, Walchuk netted his second of the season to bring the 'Cats within one. But the Buckeyes struck back with two straight goals on Coreau, who finished the loss with 15 saves.

The 'Cats (4-5-3, 1-4-3-2 CCHA) head back to Marquette and will take on Michigan State next weekend. The puck drops at 7:35 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

No comments: