"We wanted to play mature, and it’s not always easy to play an exhibition game and the way this unfolded in our schedule, but I thought the whole week, our guys did a really good job of that," MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said postgame. 

The Spartans split a top-five series matchup against No. 2 Boston College last weekend and looked to build off their momentum. Windsor, after competing in five exhibition matches before conference play, took on its lone U.S. collegiate opponent of the season in East Lansing.

Michigan State's effort was charged from the moment skates hit the ice, showing its true skill with a goal from senior forward Tanner Kelly just 90 seconds into the game on a smooth, wrap-around shot.

The Spartans were the dominant team through the first frame, outshooting Windsor 20-12.

Coming into the second period, MSU sophomore goaltender Trey Augustine stepped out for sophomore backup netminder Luca Di Pasquo to see some time between the pipes. Di Pasquo comfortably saved the first puck that came his way. 

"It was good to get some touches and get back on the ice," Di Pasquo said. "That first shot, it’s not your favorite first shot of the night, but it was an easy save."

Penalties were the theme of the second period, and while MSU's penalty kill stood tall to prevent a Lancer goal, its power play unit struggled to put another on the board. But even though the man advantage didn't yield results, the Spartans kept at it as junior defenseman Matt Basgall ripped one from the point to give MSU a two-goal lead it needed entering the final period. 

In the third period, a cross-ice pass from junior forward Karsen Dorwart to junior forward Daniel Russell gave the Spartans an insurance goal. MSU tacked on two more shorthanded goals, tiring out Windsor by the minute and taking the 5-0 shutout victory.

Scoring first

Failing to score in its first game against Boston College was the clear, external problem for MSU, which also created lapses in effort and intensity as the game went on. 

The Spartans were shut out 3-0 by the Eagles in their home opener. But the following night, MSU was the aggressor, scoring first in a tight 4-3 win.

Hitting first made a difference, as it did Friday night just 90 seconds into play.

"Obviously you want to score first, but when you have a mature team, everything can’t be predicted on whether you score or not," Nightingale said. "It’s quality play and quality shifts and stringing something together."

After the BC series, Nightingale said he wanted the team to play mature and score first in any game it plays. He knows there are times when teams play under their natural level, but keeping the same energy and outlook from week to week could play a role in a successful season.

"There is going to be moments when the other teams put you on your heels and you don’t want to panic and want to stay with it," Nightingale said. "The goal for us, whether we get scored on, we score, we have to keep that next shift mentality."

The Spartans will be back in action for a weekend series in Buffalo, NY against the Canisius Eagles for a two-game series Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26. Both games are slated for 7 p.m.