March 1, 2008

Stats

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Adrian College Bulldogs scored three times in the second period and twice in the third period as the #1 seed in the MCHA Tournament defeated the Milwaukee School of Engineering Raiders for their 19th straight win on Saturday.

After a scoreless first period, Joel Workman got the #9 Bulldogs on the scoreboard first on an even-strength goal 5:28 into the period. Adam Krug did not take long to extend the Bulldog lead to two goals, netting a power-play goal 2:22 after Workman's goal. Michael Soik pulled the Raiders within one, notching MSOE's first goal of the game at the 16:25 mark on a power-play effort to make the game 2-1. Eric Miller regained momentum for Adrian just 43 seconds before the break with his first goal of the game to push the Bulldog lead back to two goals.

The top-seeded team in the tournament stretched their lead to three just 1:01 into the third period when Samuel Kuzyk scored an even-strength goal for the Bulldogs. The Raiders would not go quietly in the semi-final game, however. Soik notched his second goal of the game at 12:01 to breathe life back into the Raiders' lungs. The Raiders then pulled their goalie to opt for the extra attacker in order to cut the lead to one. The Bulldogs had other plans as Shawn Skelly gained control of the puck in the neutral zone for a breakaway opportunity which Eric Miller finished for Adrian with 2:29 to put the team up for good. Matt Fastelin got a late goal for the Raiders, but it was not enough as the top-seeded Bulldogs advanced to the MCHA Tournament Final on Sunday.

The Bulldogs, winners of 19 straight, will now wait to see who their opponent will be in the league tournament final on Sunday afternoon. Second-seeded Finlandia and third-seeded Marian will face-off at 7:00 tonight to battle for the honor of playing in the MCHA Tournament Finals. Tomorrow's Championship Game is slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. CT at the Kern Center in Milwaukee.