As the MSU hockey team traipses toward the postseason, sophomore goaltender Matt Migliaccio is showing signs of resiliency that were missing at times earlier this year.
Twice during this weekend's series with archrival Michigan, Migliaccio found himself in trying situations. But both times - much to the delight of his coaches and teammates - he persevered mentally and physically.
The first test of character came after Migliaccio allowed a soft goal - scored on a tough-angle shot along the goal line - 13 seconds into Friday's game at Yost Ice Arena. The lapse not only put the Spartans in an early hole, but it fueled the relentless Yost crowd in its jeering of the goalie.
But Migliaccio seemed to put it out of his mind and stopped 24 of U-M's next 26 shots, including a pair of diving saves later in the first period. He didn't win - MSU lost 3-1 - but he kept the Spartans in the game.
The next night, MSU was cruising with a 4-1 lead until Wolverine star Jeff Tambellini scored twice within 20 seconds midway through the third period. The flurry squashed MSU's momentum and forced head coach Rick Comley to call a timeout to collect his team and settle down his goalie.
After the break, Migliaccio made a blocker save on a tough Tambellini wrist shot and preserved the lead for the last 10 minutes.
Both instances were welcome departures from Migliaccio's early season tendency to let a snowball turn into an avalanche before getting back on track.
"He pulled himself together several times," Comley said. "He didn't panic. I liked the look in his eyes when I called the timeout.
"He'll learn. Every time he's in it, he'll be better because he's been through it."
Migliaccio said he was proud of his performance.
"I totally think I'm past getting flustered and letting that stuff bother me," he said. "It was real important for me to bounce back and show that I'm a fighter.
"I was mad at myself more than anything. But I tried to put it out of my head - that's what you've gotta do. I just said I was going to shut the door."
Daddy Mac
Assistant coach Dave McAuliffe missed Friday's game to be with his wife, Gwenn, for the birth of their second child.
Liam James McAuliffe was born at 7:43 p.m. Friday at Sparrow Hospital, 1215 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing. He is 20.75 inches and weighs 7 pounds, 3 ounces.
"We had the game on in the room, but there was too much other stuff going on to watch it," McAuliffe said. "And I don't have any regrets for missing my visit to Yost."
Everything went smoothly for both Liam and his mother, so McAuliffe was back behind the bench for Saturday's game.
Tight ends
Considering the Spartans were statistically better in team defense and goaltending last season, it's somewhat surprising they are faring better in close games this year.
MSU is 6-2 in contests decided by one goal this season, compared to 5-6 last year.
Not a client
After Saturday's win, a reporter tried to ask Comley whether the Wolverines have an advantage in having two home games compared to the Spartans' one home date in the season series.
The only problem was that the reporter addressed the question to "Ron" - as in former longtime hockey coach Ron Mason - before catching himself and switching to "Rick."
"You're going to have to give me some more hair before I answer that one," Comley quipped.
Goal Potter
Freshman defenseman Corey Potter scored goals in two of his first five games as a collegian. His third one came Saturday - game No. 26 of his career.
Asked if he remembered his last goal, scored on Oct. 24, Potter said, "Yeah I do, one-timer on the power play."
Asked if he remembered MSU's opponent that night, Potter responded, "I don't remember who it was against. It was a long time ago - that's probably why."
In case you're wondering, it was Lake Superior State.
Down, down, baby
The Spartans received 19 votes in this week's USCHO.com national poll, making them the unofficial No. 17 squad in the 15-team poll.
MSU is also two spots out of the USA Today/American Hockey Magazine ranking with seven votes. The Spartans are one spot lower than last week in both polls.
See Super Six
Tickets for the CCHA Super Six finals are on sale now through the Joe Louis Arena box office. Daylong public tickets range from $9-$25, while student tickets are $7.50.
The Super Six is the climax of the CCHA Tournament, and will feature six games from March 20-22.
The league added a third-place game to this year's tournament, scheduling it immediately before the March 22 title game.
For more information, call Joe Louis Arena box office at (313)396-7575.
