The Cats were on fire tonight and easily defeated the Spartans 8-2.

A total of seven different Wildcats scored goals on this night. Despite the fact that MSU showed some early signs of being a better team, they simply did not have it. Perhaps it was the emotional shake-up that several players faced earlier in the afternoon on Washington Street near the Ramada Inn where the players stayed that factored into the game. There was an incident there earlier in the afternoon. We have no further details other than a heated exchange occured with a rabid NMU fan and a host of Spartan players. The only evidence are tire marks and bruised egos.

In the first period, the Cats took over mid-way through and never looked back. Based on watching these games, it was clear NMU was not going to lose. They would have won 10 straight against this undermanned club. Even though Jeff Lerg is a legend and a classy kid who will go down as a great one in NCAA history, he looked bad all weekend long. There was something wrong with him, but he gutted it all out. Despite a late goal by the Spartans to narrow the lead to 2-1, anyone watching knew that was just a flash in the pan.

To ensure a series sweep, the Cats went nuts in the second period. Three goals and a douse of shots and pressure on the Spartans and Lerg made the score 5-2 and totally out of hand. The game became a victory lap by the end of the period.

To make a statement, the Cats squeezed the life out of the Spartans pounding them into submission for three more goals in the third period. State did throw one goal into the net, showing NMU fans that the Cats are still human after all is said and done. It also showed fans that the Cats have some things to work on if they want to have a chance at Miami next weekend.

Overall, aside from the Ramada Inn incident, the Spartans showed very little flare or ability to handle the Cats. NMU looked like a top 1 or 2 team in the league this weekend, which then makes you wonder what exactly was going on with this club the first half of the season? Any chances of an NCAA bid were thrown out the window due to four losses to wimps like Ferris and Tech. You reverse those into wins, and the Cats are in the mix. So it’s now do or die to make a run. Next up those cornfield loving Miami Redhawks!

NMU 8 MSU 2