Six games in 12 days — including two consecutive Tuesday night contests — have the MSU hockey team gasping for more air to keep going.
After tonight's game against Ohio State at 7:05 p.m. in Columbus, the No. 13 Spartans can at least have a bit of comfort knowing that part of their schedule is behind them.
In the past three games, the Spartans have lost twice and earned one tie. Their ranking has dropped seven spots in that time.
The problem has been an inability to net the second goal.
In all three games, MSU (5-3-2 overall, 2-2-2 CCHA) has scored early at about three minutes into the first period. But then the Spartans have given up as many as three straight goals to the opposing team, putting themselves in a hole.
"We're physically tired, mentally tired and we've just got to get through this stretch," MSU head coach Rick Comley said. "If you don't have legs or good jump then you pay the price and it looks like that's what is happening right now."
The Buckeyes (2-5-1, 1-4-1), meanwhile, will be well rested. They last played on Nov. 5, when they lost 4-1 to Miami (Ohio). Ohio State is struggling as well, currently suffering through a five-game losing streak.
"I think you just have to keep it in perspective — we've seen enough of this team to like it and we just have to stay calm about the whole thing, let (the players) get back, catch the wind, get a couple more people back in the lineup and go from there," Comley said.
Comley said after Saturday's game he "did not know" who he will start in goal for tonight's game.
Freshman Jeff Lerg continued to impress with his performance Saturday in a 3-2 overtime loss. His record as MSU's goaltender stands at 1-1-1 with a 2.53 goals-against-average and a .909 save percentage.
Lerg's play gives MSU a reliable backup behind junior Dominic Vicari. Vicari surrendered seven goals on Friday.
But Lerg only thinks he's played "OK" so far this season.
"I'm not so happy that I got a tie, a loss — I'm not really used to that," Lerg said after Saturday's game. "I go out every game and fight for a win and it's my job. I can get better."
