However, it was Michigan State that found the back of the net first. Making a rare appearance on the top line, freshman forward Tanner Kelly scored his second goal of the season, tipping in a slap-shot from senior defenseman Cole Krygier at the front of the net. 

The Spartans could not capitalize on the momentum, as a high-sticking penalty on senior defenseman Christian Krygier gave the Buckeyes their first power play attempt of the game. MSU was unphased, completely stifling OSU’s man advantage. Junior forward Jagger Joshua was especially strong on the unit, forechecking aggressively and keeping possession from the Buckeyes. 

The penalty kill went back to work a few minutes later after a tripping call on sophomore defenseman Aiden Gallacher. Ohio State applied significantly more pressure on this power play, but again, they could not convert. 

An odd goal from the Buckeyes tied things up just after the man advantage expired. Ohio State junior forward Tate Singleton blitzed the net on a breakaway and tossed a backhander top-shelf. The puck was lodged at the top of the net and everyone in Munn scrambled to find it. A subsequent review discovered the sneaky shot and gave the Buckeyes the tying goal. 

Michigan State got its first power play of the game 4:11 into the second period. MSU had some solid movement, but Ohio State clogged up any potential scoring opportunities and kept the game knotted up.

Ohio State gave MSU an extended power play seconds later. OSU’s junior defenseman James Marooney checked junior forward Josh Nodler from behind, sending the junior forward headfirst into the boards. Marooney received a major and a game misconduct for his actions, sending the Spartans to a five minute power play.  

The unit had trouble keeping the puck in the offensive zone, as the Buckeyes continuously cleared the puck. Spending a majority of the power play trying to enter Ohio State’s zone and reset the offense, the Spartans could not apply any significant pressure. They failed to cash in and the game remained tied at 1-1. 

With just under four minutes left in the period, a missed assignment had Buckeyes freshman forward Cam Thiesing naked at the front of the net. Thiesing zipped it past senior goaltender Drew DeRidder, giving Ohio State a 2-1 lead. 

An interference penalty from senior forward Adam Goodsir gave the Buckeyes a chance to extend the lead on the man advantage. A few miscues and poor shots doomed OSU’s power play, as Michigan State’s penalty kill continued its solid night. 

The two teams traded offensive possession in the opening minutes of the third period. After some of the best offensive possession of the night for Michigan State, Ohio State went to the other end of the ice and put the dagger in with a two-on-one goal. 

Ohio State iced the win with an empty netter with just over a minute left in the period. 

Michigan State hosts Ohio State for game two of the series tomorrow night. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be televised via BTN Plus.