By Madilynn Warren- The State News
Five goals were enough for the Spartans to secure a crucial win on night one.
With the Big Ten title race wide open in the final weekend of the regular season, Michigan State hockey traveled to South Bend, looking to spoil Notre Dame’s home finale.
Entering the series, the Spartans and Fighting Irish carried different momentum. Notre Dame, fresh off a dominant 6-1 win over Wisconsin, looked to close its home schedule on a high note, celebrating 10 graduating seniors and aiming for a victory in their honor.
For MSU, a win was crucial. After a 2-2 tie with Penn State, where the Nittany Lions secured the extra point, and suffering just their third home regulation loss, the Spartans aimed to rebound and keep their Big Ten title hopes alive.
Notre Dame controlled the first 10 minutes, blocking five shots and stifling MSU’s offense while creating chances in the attacking zone. However, the Spartans quickly responded, scoring back-to-back goals past Owen Say.
Senior defenseman David Gucciardi struck first, followed by junior defenseman Matt Basgall, as MSU’s blue line made up for early mistakes and carried a lead into the second period.
Sophomore goaltender Trey Augustine held firm in net, denying multiple scoring chances until Notre Dame capitalized on a power play with a goal from Justin Janicke. MSU responded quickly, as junior forward Karsen Dorwart buried a backdoor pass from junior forward Joey Larson to restore the two-goal lead.
MSU controlled the third period, adding two more goals to seal the win. Sophomore defenseman Maxim Štrbák blasted a shot from the point to extend the lead to three, but a fortunate bounce allowed Notre Dame to cut it back to two.
With their goalie pulled, Notre Dame pressed for a late push, but MSU’s defense held firm. Junior forward Isaac Howard sealed the game with an empty-net goal—his 23rd of the season—further bolstering his Hobey Baker campaign.
Scoring on the blueline
MSU’s defense drove the offense in game one. Head coach Adam Nightingale has emphasized depth all season, and his blueliners delivered.
Four defensemen contributed offensively in game one. Štrbák’s fourth goal of the season proved to be the game-winner, bringing his total to 18 points. Basgall, the Spartans’ top-scoring defenseman, added his seventh goal and 25th point of the season.
Basgall and Gucciardi led MSU in shots on goal with five each. The two veterans accounted for 10 of the Spartans’ 38 shots, consistently generating offense from the point.
Michigan State and Notre Dame will conclude the regular season on March 1 at 6 p.m. at Compton Family Ice Arena, with the Spartans aiming for a sweep and a shot at back-to-back Big Ten titles.
