Box Score
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Tim Crowder scored two goals to lead third-ranked Michigan State past Western Michigan, 4-1, in the season opener for both teams at Munn Arena.
The Spartans opened a 2-0 first period lead behind goals from Justin Abdelkader (1:44) and Bryan Lerg (10:19).
WMU closed to within a goal on Brian Bicek's swipe of a rebound to the left of goaltender Jeff Lerg. Jeff Pierce and freshman Mark Letestu assisted on the play.
Crowder then struck twice in a second period that was dominated by penalties. When the dust settled, WMU's Jason Moul and MSU's Bryan Leg received game disqualifications after receiving five-minute majors. Both players will miss Sunday's rematch at Lawson Arena.
"I thought we played well on special teams and Dan did a good job of keeping us in the game," said coach Jim Culhane. The Broncos killed all nine short-handed situations as junior goaltender Daniel Bellissimo finished with 30 saves. MSU recorded a 34-15 edge in shots.
The teams meet Sunday at 3 p.m. in Kalamazoo. ESPNU will carry the game live.
