Box Score
HOUGHTON, Mich. – Michigan Tech shutout Lake Superior State 3-0 Friday (Dec. 15) at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena after Robbie Beydoun stopped 25 shots and the Huskies scored a goal in the first and two in the third. Tech improved to 9-7-4 overall and 7-6-4-1 in the WCHA, going unbeaten in five of the last six games.
"When we kept the game simple we were very effective," Tech Assistant Coach Chris Brooks said. "They clogged it up a lot early in the game, and when we made an adjustment I thought we had control and created some offense."
Brent Baltus opened up scoring 2:56 into the game as his tight-angled shot was deflected off an LSSU defenseman into the back of the net on the power play. For Baltus, it was his sixth of the season and he extended his point streak to five games. Dane Birks and Beydoun assisted on the play.
After a scoreless the second period, Jake Lucchini buried 46 seconds into the third for the two-goal advantage. Baltus had a beautiful setup across the crease to Lucchini who scored his fifth of the year. Mitch Reinke added the secondary assist.
"I had a step on the D man and I was just trying to pass it back door on the first goal," added Baltus. "It deflected off the defenseman and got a lucky bounce.
"We talk a lot about trying to get off the wall and into the middle of the ice to create offense, and on the second goal I saw a lane and I knew Jake [Lucchini] was driving back door."
Mitch Meek then set up Alex Smith on a similar play to put the home team up 3-0. Jake Jackson also assisted on the goal 4:52 into the third. Jackson (seven games) and Smith (six games) both extended their points streaks and each has four goals and five assists during the span.
Beydoun has now appeared in three straight games and has stopped 61 of the last 63 shots he has faced. He had 11 saves in the first period, four in the second, and 10 in the third for his second win in a row.
"I'm just keeping it simple and am enjoying the moment out there," Beydoun said. "I try not to focus on the score and do my job to the best of my ability."
"I thought he was excellent tonight," added Brooks. "Robbie is anticipating everything, he's playing with confidence, and is really tracking pucks."
Mareks Mitens stopped 37 shots for the Lakers, including a pair of highlight-reel saves. He stoned Seamus Donohue in the second period and Gavin Gould late in the third.
Tech was 1-for-5 on the power play and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.
Michigan State Senator Tom Casperson was on hand to drop the game puck. Casperson represents Michigan's 38th district, which includes much of the Upper Peninsula.
The two teams wrap-up the season—and weekend—series Saturday. One lucky fan will have a chance to take a shot to win a $50,000 truck courtesy of Keweenaw Chevrolet during the second intermission.
"Tomorrow night's going to be another big one for us as we try to go into break with a little bit of a winning streak," added Baltus. "We do have a few extra games played in the league standings, so we need to get some of these wins in hand."
Puck drop is set for 7:07 p.m.
