By Madilynn Warren- The State News
After an overtime loss in Ann Arbor in game one, Michigan State University hockey returned to East Lansing and secured a dominant 4-1 win over the Wolverines at Munn Ice Arena.
From the get-go the Spartans were able to shut down their in-state rival and capture a 4-1 win on night two of the series, splitting the weekend with their foes and tacking on another three points.
“I thought we were a lot more determined offensively,” head coach Adam Nightingale said. “I thought we played more on the inside tonight and I thought the crowd was awesome, they were really into it.”
The trip to Ann Arbor ended MSU’s nine-game unbeaten streak after Michigan rallied late to tie the game at 2-2 and sealed the overtime win just 60 seconds in, with Garrett Schifsky scoring on Trey Augustine.
Returning to Munn, the Spartans aimed to use their game one loss as motivation.
The special teams for the Spartans played a key role early, as the penalty kill was brought out just a minute and a half into the period. Nine seconds into their own power play, junior defenseman Matt Basgall ripped a shot from the blue line to give MSU an early lead.
With extracurriculars picking up quickly during play stoppages, the pent up frustration of night one became abundantly clear, leading to checks into the boards and quick holds onto one another behind the net.
The Spartans used their frustration to create more play action. With a loose puck in front of the net, Michigan State was able to take full advantage as junior forward Charlie Stramel’s net front presence was known yet again, tapping the puck behind Logan Stein for a two goal lead to take into the second period.
The goals for the Spartans continued pouring through the second period, an absolutely dominant 20 minutes for the green and white as teams continued to shine throughout the frame.
To open scoring in the second the Spartans took a shot at a power play opportunity and were able to tag on their second of the night, as junior forward Joey Larson took a shot at the net from the right of Stein and freshman forward Shane Vansaghi did what he does best — tipping the puck into the net to extend the MSU lead to three.
The Spartans added a shorthanded goal as Isaac Howard and Charlie Stramel executed a perfect tic-tac-toe play, with Stramel scoring his second goal to make it 4-0 heading into the final period.
All the Spartans needed to do in the final period was seal the deal. And they were able to do just that. In the final period, the Spartans maintained control, shutting down Michigan’s chances.
“We’re thankful to be apart of the rivalry, it’s a blessing and it forces you to be better.” Nightingale said. “Obviously last night we needed to be better and I think that’s what’s special about this rivalry, it pushes you to improve your team.”
With just over a minute remaining in the final period and nine seconds into a Michigan power play, the Wolverines avoided the shutout with a goal in the final minute, but MSU secured a dominant 4-1 victory and four points on the weekend.
