Wisconsin storms Munn, ending Michigan State's win streak with a thrilling comeback fueled by a dominant second period.
Nine is cool, but you know what would be even cooler? Ten.
Sadly, ten straight wins for the Spartans will not come to fruition. The winning streak that sat at nine after an opening-night loss has officially come to an end, as the No. 7 Wisconsin Badgers came into Munn Ice Arena and took down the No. 1 Michigan State Spartans.
It was a warmer-than-usual November 21st outside, but inside the arena it was ice cold. Both teams desperately wanted this win, and you could feel it from the opening puck drop. Wisconsin nearly scored right away on a shot that somehow didn’t cross the goal line.
Michigan State struck first exactly 8:00 into the opening period with a beautiful goal from Daniel Russell, assisted by Porter Martone and Charlie Stramel. Four and a half minutes later, freshman phenom Porter Martone netted his eighth goal of the year, assisted by Shane Vansaghi and Gavin O’Connell. The Spartans carried a 2–0 lead into the first intermission, looking every bit like the nation’s top team.
Then came the second period.
The wheels seemed to fall off defensively, and goaltending struggled as Wisconsin poured in four goals on just 13 shots against Trey Augustine. It was a mix of defensive breakdowns and elite Badger offense.
"It was a tough night," said Michigan State head coach Adam Nightingale. "I'd like to start by giving Wisconsin credit. The second period they took it to us… I don't think that is a recipe for success for our team. I thought they transitioned well and made us pay. I liked a portion of the third, and now it's about getting ready for tomorrow."
Like Coach Nightingale said, credit is due — Wisconsin flat-out wanted it in the second period, and it showed.
The third began with MSU trailing 4–2 but still very much alive. At 9:34, Ryker Lee buried his fourth goal of the season to cut the deficit in half. Munn erupted. Hope was back.
Then, just 16 seconds later, Wisconsin’s Ryan Botterill quieted the building instantly with a dagger past Augustine to restore the two-goal lead. It turned out to be the eventual game-winner, even though Martone answered 34 seconds later with his ninth goal of the season to make it 5–4 with 9:30 still to play.
The Spartans pushed, but Wisconsin goalie Eli Pulver stood tall the rest of the way, shutting the door and sealing the Badgers’ Friday night win — snapping Michigan State’s nine-game win streak in the process.
Michigan State Stats#
Goals#
- Porter Martone (2) – 8th & 9th of the season
- Ryker Lee – 4th of the season
- Daniel Russell – 2nd of the season
Assists#
- Charlie Stramel – 9
- Daniel Russell – 9
- Porter Martone – 8
- Gavin O’Connell – 4
- Eric Nilson – 3
- Sean Barnhill – 3
- Shane Vansaghi – 2
Goaltending#
- Trey Augustine: 5 goals allowed on 29 shots
Next Up#
Michigan State and Wisconsin hit the ice again tonight at 7 PM. Catch the action on Big Ten Network or stream it on FuboTV.
The Spartans look to start a new winning streak, while Wisconsin aims to complete a massive road sweep of the nation’s top-ranked team.
This is shaping up to be one of the best college hockey matchups of the young season — and almost guaranteed to be a one-goal game. Let’s hope it’s Michigan State who pulls it out on this beautiful Saturday.
Because let’s be honest: we need at least one Michigan State team to win today… and we know it won’t be the football team.