“Do you believe in miracles? Yes!”

Al Michaels said it best when Team USA stunned the Soviets in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Sure, comparing an early-season sweep to one of the greatest upsets in sports history might be a stretch — but how else am I supposed to get you to stop scrolling and read about college hockey?

The Spartans entered their two-game series in Boston ranked #4 in the nation with a 1–1 record. Boston University, sitting at #1 and 2–0–1, was the early-season measuring stick everyone had circled.

Friday night’s opener even got the national spotlight, earning a bump to ESPN2. And the Spartans made sure it was worth the watch.

Game One: Statement Made

The puck dropped, and Michigan State wasted no time making noise. Just five minutes in, Charlie Stramel buried a power-play goal to give MSU a 1–0 lead. Ninety-eight seconds later, it was déjà vu — this time Eric Nilson scored shorthanded and unassisted to make it 2–0 Spartans before the halfway mark of the first.

BU got one back on the power play from Sascha Bourmedienne late in the period, but MSU wasn’t done. Cayden Lindstrom answered just 105 seconds later, sending the Spartans into the locker room up 3–1.

In the third, Shane Vansaghi added another tally to make it 4–1 before BU’s Ryder Ritchie added a late power-play goal. Final: Michigan State 4, Boston University 2.

A national TV win against the #1 team? Message delivered. The Spartans reminded everyone why they were one of the best in hockey last season — unlucky tournament exit or not — and why they’re ready for another run.

Game Two: The Classic

Saturday’s game wasn’t on national TV, but those who managed to stream it were rewarded with one of the best early-season thrillers you’ll see.

MSU struck first again, with Ryker Lee finding the back of the net midway through the first. In the second, Porter Martone doubled the lead, giving the Spartans a 2–0 cushion heading into the third.

But anyone who knows hockey knows no lead is safe. BU stormed back just two minutes into the final frame, cutting it to 2–1. The Spartans responded instantly — Tommi Mannisto netted his second of the year just 39 seconds later to make it 3–1.

Then, the chaos hit.

With just under seven minutes to play, BU’s Kamil Bednarik scored to make it 3–2. Less than two minutes later, the Terriers tied it 3–3, sending the crowd into a frenzy and the game into overtime.

Overtime delivered one of the wildest sequences you’ll ever see. BU broke loose on a 2-on-1, sliding a shot through Trey Augustine’s pads. The puck trickled toward the goal line — inches away from ending the game — before a Spartan defender swept it away and sent it down ice.

As the puck cleared the zone, Ryker Lee raced the other way on a 2-on-1. He fed Matt Basgall, who ripped it top shelf — right where grandma hides the peanut butter — to seal the game and the series sweep of the top-ranked Terriers.

Final: Michigan State 4, Boston University 3 (OT).

The Spartans head home with a 3–1 record, their confidence soaring, and a new target on their back. They’ll host Northern Michigan on October 24–25 — and after this weekend, the rest of college hockey has officially been put on notice.