“Our guys did a heck of a lot better tonight and went through,” head coach Danton Cole said. “It’s not frustrating, but you want to see the guys get something out of it at the end of the day.”

The Spartans came out into the first period energized after last night’s lost to the Buckeyes, with freshman forward Mitchell Lewandowski striking first and gaining his 11th goal of the season after getting their first shot on goal. 

While going off their momentum of their first goal, the Buckeyes would take advantage of the Spartans’ penalty kill. Ohio State’s senior forward Matthew Weis’ would hit the back of the net 12 seconds into their first power play of the night to tie the game at 1-1. This would be the third power play goal they gave up to the Buckeyes on the weekend.

Heading into the second period, Saliba scored his first goal since November by deflecting sophomore forward Logan Lambdin’s shot off the top of the crossbar to tie the game on the No. 1 penalty kill team in the country. 

“It was nice to get off the snide a little bit,” Saliba said. “Definitely doesn’t feel as good when you don’t come away with a win.”

After a few rushing opportunities made by Lambdin and junior forward Cody Milan, the teams would keep the score tied at 2-2. The Spartans would go on to outshoot the Buckeyes in the second period, 9-6.

Right as the second period came to a close, MSU would gain another power play advantage after Ohio State’s senior defenseman Janik Moser was called for roughing after the whistle. 

Despite gaining a penalty at the start of the third, the Buckeyes would score a power play goal to get the team ahead. The Spartans took many chances, but couldn't find the back of the net to catch up after Saliba scored his second goal of the night.

The team will head back on the road to faceoff against No. 15 Wisconsin on Friday and Saturday, and return back for a 6:30 p.m. puck drop on Jan. 18 at Munn Ice Arena to play Minnesota.