COLUMBUS, OHIO- After knocking off Arizona State 2-0 last Friday, Michigan State was back to their winning ways as they knocked off No.10 Ohio State 3-2 in overtime. Here are three takeaways from the Spartans’ hot start:

1. This year’s offense is better than last year’s offense

Despite the losses to graduation, such as last season’s leading scorer Patrick Khodorenko, the Spartan offense has come out red-hot to start the season. Michigan State has gotten 40 shots on net in two of their first three games, which was a rare occurrence last season. The Spartans’ power play looks better than last season, and the aggressiveness from the Spartan defensemen is creating more chances in the offensive zone. 

2. Michigan State will win games in the faceoff circle

One of the things that this team has done very well so far is win faceoffs and use the puck possession to create chances in the offensive zone and keep the puck away from Drew DeRidder—including winning the faceoff battle tonight, 43-20. Head coach Danton Cole said after the Arizona State series that he likes the way all five guys are jumping off the draw.

3. DeRidder is more than capable of filling Lethemon’s shoes

Drew DeRidder is undefeated through three games this season, including one shutout. In all three games this season, DeRidder has faced formidable offenses and has looked calm and composed in all of them, despite two of the games going to overtime. If he continues to play like this and get adequate goal support, the Spartans can make some noise this season.