Grand Rapids — It shouldn't surprise many people that Boston and MSU have similar hockey teams. After all, the two masterminds behind the clubs that will meet tonight in the first round of the NCAA Tournament have been close friends for more than 30 years.
With three NCAA titles and more than 1,400 wins between them, MSU head coach Rick Comley and Boston head coach Jack Parker have had little reason to alter their game plans. After so many years of coaching against each other, the two have what Comley calls a "mutual respect," which keeps communication between the two strong.
And even though most coaches avoid speaking to each other before their teams face off, Comley and Parker's bond is strong enough to overcome that superstition.
"We talked about the most important thing when you're coming out here, and that's what restaurant you should you go to," Parker joked Thursday.
"We talked a little bit about how our seasons went and what our teams were like."
But now, this game is designed like a chess match, as both Comley and Parker are aware of what the other will do.
"I think this is a good matchup for us," Comley said. "I like to play his teams. I think there are a lot of similarities in the two teams, and I think it'll be a very tight game.
"We always like playing each other. We think the same, and we've been friends for a long time."
The most memorable matchup between the two coaches was the 1991 NCAA Tournament championship game, in which Comley's Northern Michigan team came from behind to beat Parker and Boston, 8-7, in triple overtime.
Now the long-time friends will have a chance to create even more memories.
"We're very close friends, we've talked a lot in the past," Parker said. "I think it's more fun when you get involved like this."
When the two coaches call each other to compare their teams, there's a lot to compare. Last year, Boston and MSU both entered the postseason on a hot streak. This year, though, both Comley and Parker have been upset with their teams' play at times.
"We've both been frustrated at times with our teams," Comley said. "In fact, I don't think he let his kids watch the selection show. I think he was skating them."
The Spartans did watch the NCAA Tournament selection show, and they were pleased to land the Terriers as their first-round opponent. The congruency of the two teams sets up what will probably be a low-scoring game — but MSU is fine with that.
"It's probably going to be a close game Friday, we all know that," senior captain Chris Lawrence said. "Late in the second or in the third when it's a tight game, that's a situation we've been in all year — finding ways to win."
MSU and Boston will have to capitalize on the few scoring chances they will get tonight in order to win. Terriers goaltender John Curry is a Hobey Baker finalist, allows 1.92 goals per game and has a .931 save percentage. Sophomore goaltender Jeff Lerg has posted respectable numbers since the beginning of the season, finishing with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.
Additionally, the Terriers' defense-first philosophy will hinder the amount of shots the Spartans let loose, making things even more difficult for a scoring-deprived MSU.
The Spartans employ the same defensive philosophy and, like Boston, ride their goaltender to victory.
"Their goalie numbers are better than ours, but I'll still take Jeff (Lerg) in a head-to-head match with anybody," Comley said.
While it appears the game will be a goaltender duel, it will be a physical battle as well. Parker and Comley both emphasize and thrive on toughness, effort and hitting.
"They're hardworking," junior forward Chris Mueller said. "They're not flashy. They're not Minnesota, they're not a WCHA team. So I think we're going to match up well against them and whoever wants it more is going to win the hockey game."
