No. 3 Michigan State hockey faced its first away test Saturday, Oct. 17, and when its offense stalled during an extended power play, senior forward Tommi Männistö delivered the goal that changed the game.

Männistö's short-handed goal in the third period restored MSU's two-goal lead in MSU's 5-1 win at Blue Cross Arena in front of a sellout crowd of 11,215 — a 57% larger capacity than Munn Ice Arena.

MSU (3-0-0) outshot RIT 37-26, but struggled to generate consistent offense at even strength. The Spartans' inability to capitalize on several power-play opportunities kept RIT within striking distance until Männistö’s goal shifted the momentum.

“We can't rely on (the power play),” head coach Adam Nightingale said. “I don't know if we scored nine or 10 (power play goals) already this year, so that's not sustainable.”

The Tigers' crowd grew louder as RIT gained momentum, and sophomore forward Anthony Romani took a frustration penalty, giving RIT a chance to tie the game in the second period.

MSU entered the third period with a 2-1 lead before a series of penalties created an extended power-play opportunity. MSU's two-man advantage couldn't find the back of the net, and RIT successfully killed off the entire sequence.

However, Männistö turned defense into offense.

The senior stole the puck while killing the penalty and raced up the ice on a partial breakaway. He beat his defender to the outside before sliding a backhand shot between RIT junior goaltender Jakub Krbecek and the post at 6:26.

Nightingale praised Männistö's consistency and willingness to contribute in any role.

“He does it the right way,” Nightingale said. “Here's a guy that's a senior that's never played on the power play, and he's never worried about that. All he cares about is helping the team win.”