from staff reports
TRAVERSE CITY -- Apparently the Traverse City North Stars got the message.
One night after a lackluster 7-1 loss to Marquette, the North Stars rebounded with a 7-3 win at Centre ICE, regaining a share of the North Division lead with the Rangers.
Traverse City, which drew the ire of coach Anthony Polumbo after Friday's loss, scored twice in the first period and never looked back. Eric McLintock scored a shorthanded goal at the 11:11 mark. Then, with just 14 seconds left, Doug Clifford converted on a power play to make it 2-0.
The North Stars wasted little time padding that margin, scoring twice in the opening 4:35 of the second period. Garrett Thompson scored 3:14 and then Nick Shkreli picked up the Stars second shorthanded goal at 4:35.
Brett Bain put Marquette on the board five minutes later as the team started swapping goal. Traverse City's Alec Shields responded to make it 5-1, then Marquette's Garrett Ladd and Traverse City's Tim Opie each tallied in the final three minutes of the period.
Marquette had seven power plays in the first two periods, but could only capitalize on one.
Marquette's Andrew Kolb and Traverse City's Kyle Jean closed out the scoring in the third period.
The North Stars outshot the Rangers 39-21. Drew Strandberg was in goal for Traverse City.
Opie, Clifford and Travis White all had two assists.
The teams conclude their series today at 1 p.m.
