But even after Krug’s game-winning goal, the focus was shifted back to the accomplishment of the team moving ahead toward the CCHA Tournament.

“It’s a testament to my teammates — obviously, they’ve put me in successful positions all year and I was able to capitalize and get lucky here and there,” Krug said after the game. “But as far as it goes, if we would have won 4-3 and I tied it on a hat trick, I don’t care. It was important for our team. At this point in the season, that’s great for us.”

The Spartans finish the regular season in fifth place in the CCHA, which gives them a first-round bye in the CCHA Tournament and a best-of-three series on the road against Miami (Ohio) during the weekend of March 9-11.

Leading the Spartans at both ends of the ice this season, Krug has 11 goals, 21 assists and 32 points for the Spartans this season (29 points in CCHA play) and has lived up to his 2011 distinction of the CCHA’s Best Offensive Defenseman. In his career, Krug now has 25 goals, 56 assists and 81 points along with being named to the 2010 CCHA All-Rookie Team and a 2011 First Team All-CCHA selection.

MSU head coach Tom Anastos said Krug has been a strong leader for the team, as it makes a push toward postseason play.

“It’s an awfully hard thing to do; it’s an incredible feat when you really consider it,” Anastos said. “I know he’ll give lots of credit to his teammates because that’s the kind of kid he is. His teammates are real proud of him and take a lot of pride in that he was able to accomplish that.”