Spartans rally for thrilling 3-1 upset win in Ann Arbor, shattering No. 1 Michigan's perfect home record and securing a crucial series split.
The Spartans desperately needed a response after being shut out 3–0 by in-state rival Michigan on Friday night.
Heading into game two of the home-and-home series—Friday in East Lansing, Saturday in Ann Arbor—Michigan State knew it had to regroup and avoid a costly conference skid. Michigan, the nation’s No. 1 team, looked every bit the part in the opener, controlling the pace and sending Spartan fans into the cold with frustration and concern. Another loss would have stretched MSU’s conference losing streak to four games and extended its home slump as well.
One of the biggest issues Friday was Michigan State’s lack of shot generation. That changed immediately in game two.
The Spartans unleashed 17 shots in the opening period, compared to just four from the Wolverines. But despite the offensive surge, they still couldn’t crack Michigan goaltender Jack Ivankovic, who was coming off Friday’s shutout and looked every bit as sharp. And in classic rivalry fashion, it was Michigan’s Will Horcoff who buried the period’s lone goal, giving the Wolverines a 1–0 lead.
After being outscored 4–0 through the first four periods of the series, the Spartans finally broke through in the second. Though Michigan outshot MSU 14–8 in the frame, it was Anthony Romani who finally solved Ivankovic, netting his fourth goal of the season and tying the game 1–1 heading into a high-stakes third period.
And that’s when Romani delivered again.
Just 1:44 into the final frame, Romani struck for his second goal of the night, giving the Spartans their first lead of the series and shifting all the pressure to the Wolverines. Michigan pushed hard, outshooting MSU 13–8 in the third, but Trey Augustine was outstanding—calm, poised, and unshakeable.
With Michigan pressing late, Porter Martone sealed the game with his 11th goal of the season on an empty-netter, locking in a 3–1 victory and a crucial series split. Michigan State outshot the Wolverines 33–31 overall, thanks largely to that dominant first period.
Both goaltenders finished with 30 saves.
After not recording a shot until late in Friday’s third period, Ryker Lee responded with urgency, leading Michigan State with seven shots on Saturday. Martone added five, while Shane Vansaghi chipped in four.
These teams are destined to be among the nation’s elite all season long and will clash again February 6–7 in another home-and-home showdown.
For now, the Spartans get a well-earned break before returning to action after Christmas on December 28 against Ferris State.