EAST LANSING – The No. 11 Michigan State Spartans were back in action at Munn Ice Arena as they looked for the series sweep against No. 1 Wisconsin after defeating the Badgers on Friday night, 4-2. The Spartans were able to play spoiler once again, defeating Wisconsin 3-2 on Saturday night.
The game started out with a lot of physicality between the two teams as both teams equated multiple hits throughout the first five minutes of the first period as well as multiple scoring chances for both teams. The Spartans were able to get on the board first after senior forward Jeremy Davidson netted the first goal of the game, which was assisted by fifth year forward Nico Muller eight minutes into the game.
Michigan State had to endure five penalty kills throughout the game, but the penalty kill stood their ground and Wisconsin came up empty in each power play.
The Spartans were able to fend off two Badger power plays in the second period, keeping the score 1-0. It wasn’t until with 1:10 left to go in the second period, fifth year forward Owen Lindmark was able to light the lamp, knotting up the game at one a piece at the second intermission.
Wisconsin had all the momentum going into the third period, outshooting the Spartans 13-3 in the second. Michigan State freshman goalie Trey Augustine saved 12 out of 13 shots and had 28 saves on the night, along with 60 saves on the weekend.
“It means a lot, they’re [Wisconsin] a super good team,” said Augustine. “Being able to send a message like that means a lot to us.”
With the Badgers looking like they had all the momentum, MSU was able to take the lead two minutes into the third period as sophomore forward Joey Larson scored his sixth goal on the year to put the Spartans on top.
With another Wisconsin power play that was killed once again, Michigan State was able to close the door as Nash Nienhuis sealed the deal,scoring with three minutes to go, extending the lead to 3-1 Spartans.
“Obviously it feels amazing to take them down,” said Nash Nienhuis. “We say it a lot, it’s about us and every week we go day by day and we’re ready for any team we play.”
Wisconsin was able to cut the lead in half as sophomore defenseman Ben Dexheimer scored Wisconsin’s second goal with a minute to go in regulation.
MSU’s defense stood strong and the clock struck zero. Michigan State was able to complete the sweep against the number one team in the country and remain undefeated in Big Ten play.
“A really good weekend for our program, tonight we had to find a different way to win a hockey game” said Coach Nightingale. “I was proud of the guys and we’re looking forward to next weekend.”
The No. 11 Michigan State Spartans will look to keep their winning ways as they hit the road to take on Minnesota next Friday, with puck drop scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
