Update: No. 15 Michigan dominates No. 7 MSU in hockey, securing a decisive 7-1 victory…

Update: No. 15 Michigan dominates No. 7 MSU in hockey, securing a decisive 7-1 victory…

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – No. 7/5 Michigan State’s impressive six-game unbeaten streak came to an abrupt end as they suffered a 7-1 defeat against No. 15/14 Michigan on Friday night at Munn Ice Arena. The intense match saw a total of 168 penalty minutes, with a staggering 151 minutes accumulated in the final period, leading to 11 combined game misconduct penalties.

The Spartans faced their first loss since Nov. 26 and experienced their initial regulation loss in Big Ten play (15-5-3, 9-2-2 B1G). This defeat also marked MSU’s first loss at home since Feb. 10 of the previous year, coincidentally against the Wolverines.

Michigan’s special teams played a crucial role in their victory, scoring four power play goals and a shorthanded effort. Despite the Spartans attempting a comeback, the Wolverines extended their lead with one goal in the second period and three in the final frame, resulting in a lopsided game with escalating penalty minutes.

Fifth-year senior Nicolas Muller managed to score the lone goal for MSU, assisted by Reed Lebster and Jeremy Davidson. MSU was outshot 34-22 and failed to capitalize on any of their four power play opportunities.

Rutger McGroarty contributed significantly to Michigan’s success with a goal and three assists, while Dylan Duke scored twice. Michigan’s power play efficiency stood at an impressive 4-for-8, and goalie Jake Barczewski secured 22 saves in his debut game against MSU.

The two teams are set for a rematch on Saturday night in Ann Arbor at 7 pm.

Key Statistics:

• Spartans conceded multiple power-play goals for the first time since Nov. 26 against Minnesota.
• MSU allowed its second shorthanded goal of the year, the first since the season opener at Boston College (Oct. 26), coinciding with MSU’s last regulation loss.
• Spartans, one of two unbeaten teams at home, suffered their first home loss of the season and first since Feb. 10 of the previous year (also against Michigan, 4-2).
• The seven goals conceded by the Spartans in the game marked their highest in a single game this season.
• Nicolas Müller scored his fifth goal of the season, becoming the sixth Spartan to reach the 20-point plateau this season.
• Trey Augustine recorded 22 saves in the game, his lowest in a Big Ten game this season.