EAST LANSING – After a series split with No. 14 Michigan, the No. 8 Michigan State hockey team was back in action to take on No. 9 Minnesota in the first game of a top- 10 weekend matchup at Munn Ice Arena. The Spartans rallied in the third period to win 3-2 on a game winning goal from Daniel Russell.

“What a finish to the game.” said MSU head coach Adam Nightingale. “I thought [Minnesota] did a really good job making it hard on us and they were very well coached, we knew that coming in.”

The Spartans trailed 2-0 entering the third period until freshman forward Griffin Jurecki scored his first career goal as a Spartan which helped spark the comeback for MSU.

“Griffin just puts his head down and works,” said Nightingale. “He’s done a great job getting better and practicing the right way and taking advantage of his opportunity.”

Sophomore forward Karsen Dorwart scored his 10th goal of the season to tie the game with under five minutes remaining on a short handed goal. 

A few minutes later, sophomore forward Daniel Russell added the finishing touches with a miraculous game sealing goal with just four seconds remaining.

“The team’s doing well, it’s not all about individual,” said Russell. “To see one go in the back of the net for me is really big going into the rest of the year.” 

Both the Spartans and the Golden Gophers tied in total shots at 30. Minnesota struggled to take advantage on power plays, going 0 for 5 and allowing a short handed goal. Freshman goalkeeper Trey Augustine shined in the win, recording 28 saves.

“Your best penalty killer is your goalie, I thought Trey did a good job, ” said Nightingale. “I thought we won draws and cleared pucks, that was really good.”

The Spartans will be back in action tomorrow against the Gophers, where they will look to complete the series sweep. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m.